President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led government has sanctioned the development of a modular refinery within the Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP), situated in the oil-abundant Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, made this known during the inauguration of the construction of the 11.1-kilometre Obehie-Umudobia-Owaza road, a project designed to unlock the region’s economic potential.
Naija News report that, in his remarks at the ceremony, Otti highlighted that the road initiative transcends mere access; it aims to rejuvenate economic assets, create new opportunities, and restore the aspirations of the past.
He stated that the reconstruction of this road is not solely about infrastructure; it is fundamentally about revitalizing dormant economic resources and rekindling the ambitions that once characterized this area.
The Governor assured that the project would be finalized within a year, and upon its completion, it would significantly enhance the marketability and viability of AIIP.
Additionally, Governor Otti confirmed that the Federal Government has approved the establishment of a modular refinery within AIIP.
“I am pleased to inform you that just a few days ago, we received approval for a modular refinery to be built inside AIIP by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited,” Otti announced.
He reassured the people that the Abia State Government would provide full support for the refinery project, which is expected to accelerate industrialization and economic growth in the area.
Otti declared that the era of neglect for Ukwa people is over, stating that Ukwa, as the only oil-producing region in Abia, must not be left behind.
“Today, we officially declare that the era of neglect for Ukwa and its communities is over. Your land will yield its best, and the oil in your land will bring prosperity,” The Abia State Governor said.
He assured that his administration would collaborate with ASOPADEC, NDDC, and other intervention agencies to address the longstanding issues of political marginalization and underdevelopment.
In response to community appeals, the Governor confirmed that the Umuzike-Obokwe-Ngwaiyiekwe road has been included in the 2025 budget and will soon be inaugurated.
Additionally, he committed to restoring electricity in Asa land by the end of March, instructing the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, to evaluate the necessary requirements for this restoration.
Governor Otti emphasized that his administration has declared a state of emergency in the water sector, assuring that measures are being taken to tackle the water crisis throughout Abia State.
He called upon the community to support the contractors and collaborate with the government to facilitate the effective implementation of development projects.
Stakeholders and political figures, including, Hon Godwin Adiele (Member, Abia State House of Assembly), Philemon Ogbonna (Commissioner for Environment), all praised the development.
Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti, characterized the Obehie-Owaza road as a vital link to Asa and AIIP, noting that it would generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities and attract investment.
In a similar vein, ASOPADEC General Manager, Venerable Joshua Onyeike, praised Otti for enabling the commission to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.
Notable community leaders, such as Dame Victoria Akanwa (former legislator) and Pastor Ralph Egbu (former SSG), recognized the Governor’s achievements in infrastructure development.
President-General of the Asa Development Union, Elder Goodluck Nwauju, underscored Otti’s dedication to the community, referencing the recovery of over 10,000 hectares of land that had been previously designated for the stalled Enyimba Economic City project.
Speakers at the gathering lauded Otti’s leadership, describing him as “God-sent” and expressing their support for his re-election.
The former Senior Special Assistant on Media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Abati, has advocated for a total shift from the mode of preparing Nigeria’s future leaders to modern trends that prioritize leadership education and capacity-building.
Abati noted that it is imperative to equip leaders with formal education programs, one that integrate leadership training, policy analysis, and crisis management skills as part of the key requirements in preparing Nigeria’s leaders for the future.
He gave the recommendations on Tuesday in Abuja as a guest speaker at Baze University’s 14th anniversary and first founder’s lecture.
His lecture was titled “Leadership in a Disruptive Era: Ethics, Accountability, and the Future of Governance in Nigeria.”
Like many developing nations, Abati said Nigeria was grappling with continuous disruptions, which affect its progress, the well-being of its people, and its overall level of growth and development.
“The clearest indication is that political instability, economic fluctuations, security challenges, technological advancements and evolving social dynamics have created an environment that demands adaptive and ethical leadership, which is for the most part lacking, creating much alienation between the people and those who lead them.
“In such a context, for corrective purposes, governance requires resilience, foresight, and integrity to address emerging crises while maintaining public trust”
He noted that in a disruptive era, leadership transcends traditional authority and requires a proactive, visionary, and ethical approach.
“Nigeria’s governance challenges necessitate leaders who can anticipate potential disruptions and devise adaptive strategies to mitigate their impact. Leadership in this context should be transformative, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration with key stakeholders.”
To navigate governance challenges, Abati said leaders must be equipped with modern educational skills.
“Institutions such as the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) play a crucial role in fostering strategic leadership development, but their curricula must be continuously updated to reflect contemporary governance challenges.
“Institutional reforms are essential for sustainable governance. Weak institutions have historically hindered Nigeria’s development, allowing corruption and inefficiency to thrive,” he said.
Speaking of the importance of the lecture theme to the students in an interview with the media, Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Jamila Shu’ara, said the university is a ground for preparing Nigeria’s future leaders.
“We have to teach our students to be leaders of tomorrow, and you can see the quality of the questions and observations that they asked. They have hope in us, they have hope in our country, and they have hope in tomorrow.
“We are convinced that the tutoring they go through in our university prepares them well enough to face the challenges of tomorrow,” she said.
Shu’ara was optimistic that, though Baze University is fourteen years old, it has emerged as one of the leading universities in Nigeria.
“We see Baze University being the best university in Nigeria. The significance of today’s Founders Day is to celebrate, first, the vision of the visionary and the vision of the dreamer, and also to celebrate the faculty and the staff that have supported this vision, to celebrate the products that are the graduates that we produce, and to celebrate our alumni.
“All this we put together today to remind ourselves that for us as an institution, we still hope and feel that the most potent tool to change the world is education.”
[newtelegraphng]
It appears the controversy over the allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill and her suspension from the Red Chamber may not be getting off the news anytime soon.
This is because the suspended Kogi Senator on Tuesday took her case to a global stage.
The Senate suspended the lawmaker for violation of the Senate’s rules days after she submitted a petition against Akpabio for sexual assault and other accusations, claims the Senate President has strongly refuted.
But at the Women in Parliament session held at the Inter-Parliamentary Union Meeting (IPU) at the United Nations in New York, Senator Natasha is seeking justice and the intervention of global democratic institutions.
The lawmaker is asking for justice over what she described as injustice meted out to her. Senator Natasha described her suspension from the Senate as illegal.
“I was suspended illegally because I submitted a petition for sexual harassment against the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio. I thought that by submitting the petition, he would recuse himself and both of us would submit ourselves to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petition for a fair, transparent investigation. But unfortunately, I was silenced and I was suspended,” she told the gathering.
“That means I’m here illegally, but I have no other place to go but to come here and speak to you because this is a bigger picture. This is a bigger picture. It depicts the crisis of women’s political representation. My suspension is not just about me. It’s about the systemic exclusion of women from political leadership in Nigeria,” the Kogi lawmaker added.
After her speech, she expressed worry about her security. The Kogi Central lawmaker claimed there are indications that she may be held against her will in New York for speaking up on the issue at the global event by “the powers that be” from Nigeria.
Last week, the Senate suspended the lawmaker in a move that has continued to generate debates across the country.
She had initially submitted a petition to the Senate accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment. But the lawmakers threw it out before suspending her even after submitting another petition.
Senator Natasha vowed to continue the fight against “injustice”. But in the wake of the suspension, Akpabio denied the accusations and maintained he has never assaulted women.
Her altercation with the Senate president started on February 20, 2025, after her seat was changed during plenary.
That is not the first time both individuals had issues. In July 2024, Akpabio had while trying to correct her for misconduct told her to follow the rules and that the Senate is not a nightclub where anybody can talk anyhow. The Akwa Ibom lawmaker, however, later apologised to her for the remark.
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration’s economic reforms will encourage professionals who left the country in search of better opportunities to return.
He said this statement on Monday while inaugurating the Implementation Committee for the National Youth Conference at the State House, Abuja.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed details of the meeting in a statement he signed Monday titled ‘Nigerian Professionals Will Return As Economy Improves, President Tinubu Assures at Inauguration of National Youth Confab Planning Committee.’
Tinubu emphasised that the government’s policies were designed to create prosperity, particularly for young Nigerians, who constitute over 60 per cent of the population.
He stated that the japa trend—where Nigerians leave the country for better prospects—would eventually reverse as economic conditions improve.
“When you listen to most professionals leaving Nigeria, there’s a cause. If you grow prosperity back home and empower people, they will not bother leaving. They will stay home,” he stated.
The President added, “I want to reassure you that you are the hope of this country, and everything hangs on you.
“Every decision that I have taken is about you. It’s about the future. When we removed the fuel subsidy, it was because we wanted to protect your future.
“We have cleared the path for you to have a great future.”
Tinubu charged the 44-member implementation committee with ensuring that the recommendations from the youth conference lead to impactful policies.
He assured them that the government was committed to implementing their deliberations.
“This is your opportunity to develop the nation and make it prosperous. You are the heartbeat of our nation, and I hope you take this responsibility seriously,” he said.
He also highlighted the progress of his economic reforms, noting that the initial phase was challenging but had started yielding results.
“When we started, it looked so foggy, dicey, and hopeless. We worked hard, and it was like drawing water out of a dry well.
“But today, the economy has turned the corner; prices are falling, confidence in our economy is improving, investors are looking this way, and technology is advancing,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to engage young Nigerians in shaping the country’s future.
“Just look me in the face and tell me whatever you think is wrong and the way forward.
“Be frank. We will implement your suggestions so long as they are for the country’s prosperity,” he added.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, commended the President for prioritising youth inclusion and creating platforms for engagement.
Olawande highlighted initiatives such as the student loan scheme and infrastructural developments as part of the administration’s efforts to improve opportunities for young people.
A member of the committee, Samson Itodo, welcomed the conference as a significant step in involving Nigerian youths in governance and national development.
He outlined priority areas such as political governance, economic transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, energy transition, and security.
The implementation process for the youth conference will include virtual consultations, calls for memoranda, regional town hall meetings, and a final congress in Abuja.
The committee is to be chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Olubunmi Olusanya.
Monday’s inauguration comes five months after Tinubu, in his last Independence Day broadcast, announced plans for a 30-day national youth confab to address critical issues facing the country’s youths.
Other members of the planning committee are Senate Chairman on Niger Delta Development Commission, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Dr Linus Okorie, Dr Garba Aliyu, Babatunde Adeleke, Francis Sani, Azeezat Yishawu, Sara-Igbe Sukubo, Hauwa Ibrahim, Zara Goni, Oladele Nihi, Dare Ojepe, Uchechukwu George Egbe, among others.
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has said it will not lose sleep over the defection of former state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the Social Democratic Party.
The PUNCH Online reports that El-Rufai dumped the ruling party for the Social Democratic Party
The former governor cited a growing misalignment between his personal values and the current direction of the APC as the primary reason for his decision.
However, reacting to the defection, the Secretary of the Kaduna APC, Yahaya Baba-Pate, said the party remained unperturbed by the defection of the former governor.
Baba-Pate said the party was focused on delivering the state to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
Baba-Pate, who spoke to journalists in Kaduna on Monday, expressed confidence in the party’s growing strength in the state, citing the influx of high-profile politicians joining the party daily in the state.
He expressed confidence that the party’s fortunes will not be affected by El-Rufai’s departure.
He said, “We are unperturbed by former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s defection to another party. Our main focus in Kaduna is on how to deliver the state to both President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani in 2027.
“The APC in Kaduna State is growing day by day, judging from the calibre of politicians streaming into the party on a daily basis. So, we are not disturbed by anybody defecting to another party based on our governor’s inclusive governance in the state.
“We are not disturbed and we are not going to lose our sleep over El-rufai’s moves. The party in the state is growing more than before.”
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru El-Rufai, has left the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a statement he shared on Monday in Abuja, titled “Onwards to the Future,” the former Kaduna State governor noted, “As a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have fond memories of working with other compatriots to negotiate the merger of political parties that created the APC.
“It had been my hope since 2013 that my personal values and those of the APC would align up to the time I chose to retire from politics.”
However, he said developments in the last two years confirm that those who currently control and run the APC have no desire to acknowledge, let alone address, the unhealthy state of the party.
*On my part, I have raised concerns in private and, more recently, in public regarding the capricious trajectory of the party.
“Founders rightly feel attached to institutions they helped create, but one must be pragmatic enough to admit when a divergence becomes unbridgeable.
“I have diligently served the APC and contributed to its viability as a political platform but recognize that the party has strayed, leaving me stuck in the vision of its well-meaning founding fathers and mothers.
“As a loyal party man, I worked to help secure the APC’s election victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023. I was one of the many governors elected on the party’s platform in 2015 and 2019 who stood for democratic and progressive principles to advance nation-building.
“My eight-year tenure in Kaduna State was devoted to implementing progressive policies to advance human development in education and healthcare, expand infrastructure, promote equality of opportunity, create jobs, and attract investments.
“However, these records count for little in the current APC, which has castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt over the last two years. I find this no longer acceptable.”*
He added, *”On March 10, 2025, I submitted a letter resigning my membership of the APC to my ward in Kaduna, effective immediately.
“Subsequent to this, I concluded consultations with my mentors, colleagues, and loyalists about the future and have decided to join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and adopt it as the platform for our future political engagements and activities.
“Without prejudice to this decision, as a member of the SDP, I will focus on engaging with and persuading other opposition leaders and parties to join us in forming a unified democratic platform to challenge the APC in all elections and by-elections between now and 2027, by the grace of God.
“I therefore call on all our supporters and other persons concerned about our country’s future to join us in the SDP in the journey towards making Nigeria flourish as a beacon of pride for Africans and the Black race.”
[Nigerian Tribune]
![[PRESS RELEASE] Fire Outbreak at Geometric Premises Contained](/media/k2/items/cache/eba70f8e4780222c6caff5a728ce295f_S.jpg)
1. There was a fire outbreak early this morning in a temporary building in the premises of Geometric Power, Nigeria's foremost integrated power company, located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, Aba, Abia State. The building was used by a defunct South African electricity firm known as Group 5 during the construction of facilities in the integrated power company and has been of little use in over 12 years.
2. Though the cause of the fire has yet to be determined, it was contained by the Geometric Power staff before the arrival of the Abia State Fire Service which responded promptly to the emergency call.
3. Geometric Power management commends its staff members for their vigilance and gallant efforts in containing the fire and the Abia State Fire Service for its swift response and professionalism.
4. The management also appreciates members of the public for their concern and support.
5. Geometric Power assures the public of their commitment to work assiduously for constant, quality and affordable electricity in the Aba Power Ring-fenced Area and elsewhere for the rapid socioeconomic progress of the Nigerian nation.
Signed
Management.
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] Federal Government adopts TASUED Ogun State as Federal University](/media/k2/items/cache/27a0a5d0bbad8e1389058c9c81adb80c_S.jpg)
The Federal Government has adopted the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijagun, Ogun State as a Federal University.
Established by the Ogun State Government in 2005, TASUED holds the distinguished position as Nigeria's first specialised university of education. It was named after Dr Tai Solarin, a revered activist and the founder of Mayflower School in Ikenne.
As a federal institution, TASUED will be the first federally owned tertiary school in Ogun East senatorial district. With a well-developed infrastructure and academic programme, the transition requires minimal federal investment.
President Tinubu approved the adoption on Friday and thanked the Ogun State Government for inviting the Federal Government to take over the school, one of the state's best educational assets.
"It is an opportunity for the Federal Government to honour Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who began the revolutionary free education programme in Western Nigeria and Dr Tai Solarin, who spent most of his life educating our children and impacting patriotic and leadership lessons in them at Mayflower School in Ikenne", President Tinubu said.
"It is also in honour of the Awujale of Ijebuland, who played a critical role in preventing the university's closure in 2012, just seven years after its establishment," he added.
Awolowo and Solarin were celebrated figures from the Eastern Senatorial District of Ogun State, encompassing Ijebu and Remo.
President Tinubu emphasised that TASUED's transition into a Federal University of Education is a strategic step in the Federal Government's commitment to bolster teacher education and enhance the quality of instruction across all educational levels.
With TASUED's new status, the Federal Government oversees three education universities. Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Owerri and Adeyemi Federal University of Education in Ondo are the country's other two universities of education.
![[STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE] Federal Government Takes Over Gombe Hospital](/media/k2/items/cache/04e81793f3bd501eb8f33d6307a82df0_S.jpg)
The Federal Government has converted the Gombe State government-owned General Hospital, Kumo, into a Federal Medical Centre.
The Kumo Federal Medical Centre is the second federal medical institution in the state, after the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe, the capital. The teaching hospital was initially a medical centre before being upgraded into a Federal Teaching Hospital.
The Kumo Federal Medical Centre will serve as a tertiary health hospital, contribute to the training of medical personnel, and boost health care service in Gombe State and the Northeast generally.
Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya formally requested the takeover of the facility. President Tinubu approved the request, given the poor maternal and neonatal mortality indices in the Northeastern region and other health indicators in Gombe State.
The Federal Government also considered the State Government's commitment to improving its health sector, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has unveiled comprehensive reforms in the health sector.
President Tinubu commended Governor Yahaya for prioritising the welfare of the state's citizens and stressed that the takeover would improve the state's healthcare delivery system.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
[PRESS STATEMENT] Okupe was an inspirational, charismatic leader, we'll miss him - Labour Party
Admin![[PRESS STATEMENT] Okupe was an inspirational, charismatic leader, we'll miss him - Labour Party](/media/k2/items/cache/6855a6c1c5cd93056212bfb6c9d85840_S.jpg)
The leadership of the Labour Party was jolted this morning with the news of the sudden demise of Dr. Doyin Okupe, Labour Party's erstwhile Director-General of the Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election.
According to the news, the physician turned politician, passed away at the age of 72 after battling a protracted illness suspected to be cancer.
Before joining Labour Party in 2022, Okupe had played key roles in Nigerian politics, having served as the National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC). He was once detained under General Sani Abacha and subsequently disqualified from participating in the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) primaries. He later served as a senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, his active participation in the Labour Party's push for the presidency in 2023 clearly revealed his inspirational and charismatic self as well as his statesmanship. He loved the nation and he believed that a new Nigeria is possible.
Before being appointed the DG of the Labour Party presidential campaign, he first served as a place holder for the party's Vice Presidential candidacy, a position he honorably relinquished, with the understanding that such position should go to the North. As the DG of the Campaign Organisation, he was a team player, focused, assertive but also diplomatic in the discharge of his duties.
Though, he resigned his membership of the party last year based on principles, but his fraternity with the party didn't cease, neither did he stop giving us invaluable advices. We cherished his short but impactful association with the party leadership. He was lively, energetic, honest and creative; great virtues we will be missing in him.
Certainly, Nigeria has lost an astute politician whose desire for a great nation was unquestionable. We believe that though he still has so much to offer this nation, but death has brutally forced him to write the last chapter of his life. As is often said, death is a necessary end that must come when it must come, for Doyin, it was time to bid him a tearful farewell.
On behalf of the leadership and members of the Labour Party across the globe we commensurate with his immediate family, Ogun state government and Nigerians over his demise and I pray that God will offer him His bossom for a well deserved rest.
SIGN:
Barrister Julius Abure
National Chairman
Labour Party.
More...
Doyin Okupe, a Nigerian politician and former presidential aide, has passed away.
He was aged 72.
According to sources close to the family, Doyin Okupe had been critically ill in the weeks leading up to his death.
His health had reportedly deteriorated significantly, causing concern among his loved ones and supporters.
More to come…
Fares for inter and intra-state transportations have remained high across the country despite the recent reduction in the price of petrol, checks by Daily Trust have shown.
The Dangote Petrol Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had reduced their prices.
In Lagos, a litre of petrol was reduced from N925 per litre to N860 at filling stations following the cut in the ex-depot price initially by Dangote. The NNPCL also cut its price to N860.
With the reduction in petrol price and the much promoted Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) of the federal government, it was expected that there would be an impact on transport fares. However, checks by Daily Trust show otherwise.
Oil industry players say the reduction in the pump price is still not significant, and considering other variables, it will take a long time for Nigerians to feel the impact.
Muhammed Abdullahi, who works with one of the oil marketing companies in Abuja, said only NNPC stations and others affiliated with the Dangote refinery have significantly reduced their pump price.
“And these stations are only a fraction of the thousands of filling stations in the country who are selling at almost N1,000. I believe for Nigerians to feel the impact of the reduction, majority of the filling stations have to reduce their pump price,” he said.
Situation in states
In Kano State, after the removal of fuel subsidy, commercial transporters jerked-up transport fares to all destinations following the increase in the price of fuel.
Abubakar Adamu, who claimed to have been plying the Abuja – Kano route for over a decade, said Kano to Abuja transport fare was jerked up from N5,500 to N9,000.
He said the fare from Abuja to Kano skyrocketed between N13,000 to N15,000 depending on the number of passengers in the car.
But a visit to Na’ibawa Motor Park revealed that a few drivers had reduced the fare by N1,000 for Abuja-Kano trip.
However, at ‘Yan Kaba Motor Park, Kano to Damaturu in Yobe State was N6,000 and after the fuel subsidy removal, the fare was increased to N10,000. Usman Dauda, a commercial driver operating in the motor park, said: “Many commercial operators can only reduce the transport fares after buying their fuel, because filling stations sell based on their discretion as there is no static fuel pump price.
“You may charge N9,000 from Kano to Damaturu and on your way back, you have to charge N10,000 to balance the gap, because you probably got the fuel at a higher cost than that of Kano.”
A commuter plying the Kano-Maiduguri route said transport operators might not reduce the transport fare “because the fuel price isn’t static.”
According to him, “It is unfortunate that commuters now have to travel with extra money because the fare can change at any moment,” he said.
In Borno, when our correspondent visited the Tashar Kano Motor Park in Maiduguri, the transport fare had not changed.
One of the drivers, Aisami Isa, said they did not notice much change in the price of petrol in most filling stations in Maiduguri.
“As it is now, the transport fare from Maiduguri to Kano is: Mercedes Benz, N20, 000; Sharon bus, N12,000 and Hummer bus N9, 000,” Isa said.
The Administration Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Borno State branch, Alhaji Gana Mohammad Shuwa, said with the reduction in the price of fuel, the union was anticipating good days ahead, but most filling stations in Maiduguri, particularly independent marketers, were still selling at N1,030 to N1,040 per litre.
“We only buy at a discounted price from NNPC stations and major marketers like MRS, and Matrix selling at N980 per litre”, he said.
Also in Abuja, transporters have refused to reduce fares despite the fuel price reduction.
Residents told Daily Trust that the high transport cost had also contributed to high cost of living.
The fare for Kubwa-Berger Roundabout was N1,000 as against the N500 less two years ago; while Tipper Garage at Dutse to Apo Bridge was N1, 200 as against the N600, a year ago.
Commuters who interacted with Daily Trust at Nyanya Bus Stop said fares to the city centre and Kubwa/Zuba had remained the same despite the slight reduction in fuel prices.
Bello Yakubu, an engineer, expressed concerns that while the price of fuel had reduced, fares had remained constant.
Commercial drivers also said the high cost of vehicle parts, especially tyres, as well as servicing, were responsible for the high cost of transportation in the FCT.
They said that it cost them between N15,000 to N18,000 to service a Volkswagen Golf car, adding that a fairly used tyre which was previously sold between N6,000 to N8, 000 is now N18,000 and N23,000.
Findings by Daily Trust also revealed that prior to the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government, transport fares from Zuba to Area 1 and Berger Roundabout in Abuja was N700 but since the removal of the subsidy, motorists had been charging between N1,300 and N1,500 per passenger.
In Lagos, findings also showed that despite the drastic reduction in the cost of petrol, the price of transport fare in Lagos remains unchanged.
Checks at some motor parks yesterday indicated that interstate fares remained on the high side. The fare for Lagos-Ilorin trip, which used to be N7,000, is still N13,000; while Lagos-Ibadan trip’s fare, which used to be N2,000, is N4,000 for buses and N6, 000 for cars.
Oladele Ismaila, a driver at Ojota motor parks said the reduction was insignificant. “How much was the reduction?” he asked, saying the fuel price at N860 is still on the high side.
A traveller in Kaduna, Hassan Adamu Hassan, said: “Just a few days ago, I travelled to Zaria and paid N1,700 instead of N1,300.”
Another passenger, who recently returned to Kaduna from Katsina, noted that the fare had slightly decreased from N7,500 to N6,000. However, he urged drivers to further reduce it to N4,000 in response to the lower fuel prices.
Benue/Kwara
At major motor parks in Makurdi, Gboko and Otukpo in Benue State, commercial drivers complained that the petrol price reduction had not significantly impacted their operational costs.
Transporters at the Wurukum Motor Park in Makurdi said petrol still cost about N1,000 per litre.
Usha Iorbee, a commercial driver, plying the Makurdi–Abuja route, said, “The price at the pump is still high. Until we see a significant drop in the cost of fuel and spare parts, we cannot reduce fares. Most of us buy fuel at N995 per litre, and we are still struggling to break even.”
In Ilorin, checks by our reporter showed that many of the petrol stations were still selling between the range of N900 and N950 per liter except NNPCL Adewole which sold for N880.
A motorist, Mr. Sulyman Malik, said: “Which price was reduced? Today, NNPCL is selling at N970, MRS N945 and Bovas N955. I have not seen any station selling lower. And even if we agree that there is some downward adjustment, how does it reflect? If we buy 50 litres at N50,000, for instance, and because of the so-called drop, I got it at N49,500, what difference does that make?
A student, Zainab Abeke, said she spends N800 daily to and from Tanke to the University of Ilorin as against the N200 it was previously.
Plateau
In Jos, at the Farin Gada Motor Park, the management of the union expressed mixed reactions over the recent fuel price reduction. While acknowledging the decrease, they described it as minimal.
Isa Ibrahim Bela, State Organising Secretary and Vice Chairman of Farin Gada Motor Park, under the Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), stated, “We appreciate the reduction in fuel prices, although it’s not substantial.
“We had hoped for a more significant decrease. Nevertheless, we’ve reduced fares by N1, 000 for long-distance trips to Kano, Sokoto, Katsina, and other far-flung destinations. For shorter trips to Saminaka, Zaria, or Kaduna State, we’ve lowered fares by N500.”
However, Muhammad Muhammad, a driver at the park, said the fuel price reduction was insignificant. He alleged that the government was attempting to instigate passengers against them.
Samson John, a passenger, traveling to Kano, welcomed the reduction. “I’m experiencing the change in transport fare first hand. I’m traveling to Kano now, and they’ve reduced the fare by N1, 000. We still urge the government to do more to reduce fuel prices.”
However, Abduldayyanu Sabiu, who was traveling to Tudun Wada LGA in Kano State, reported no change in the fare.
“As far as I’m concerned, there’s no difference in the price. I’m paying the same amount I paid last week,” he said.
[DailyTrust]
![[PRESS RELEASE] Vice President Shettima to Attend NACC 65th Anniversary Gala in Lagos](/media/k2/items/cache/5e5da15284591a2d48eafd2dbff8a68d_XS.jpg?t=20250306_231613)
Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) is set to celebrate its 65th anniversary with a grand gala dinner, featuring His Excellency, Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, as the Special Guest of Honour.
The prestigious event will take place on April 12, 2025, at Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the red carpet reception commencing at 5:00 PM.
Alhaji Sheriff Balogun, National President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce
The highlight of the evening will be the inauguration of Alhaji Sheriff Balogun as the 20th President of NACC.
Alhaji Balogun will also unveil his leadership team, while outlining strategic initiatives to strengthen bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United States.
As part of the evening’s programme, 40 new members will be inducted into the chamber, and the NACC multi-storey building project will be officially launched.
The gala will also honour outstanding Nigerian and American companies and distinguished individuals, including past presidents of the chamber, for their contributions to economic growth and trade relations.
The President of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Samaila Zubairu, will chair the event.
Dignitaries confirmed to attend include Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Founder and Chairman of Elizade Group, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo and Chairman of Odu’a Group, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru.
Others are Founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, Chairperson of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, Catherine Uju Ifejika, Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and Chairman of Zinox Technologies Limited, Leo Stan Ekeh.
His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, will serve as the Chief Host of the occasion.
For 65 years, the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of fostering bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United States, serving as the premier platform for business growth, networking, and investment opportunities.
The Chair of the Planning Committee, Dr.Ikenna Nwosu, says all the guests will be treated to one of the grandest anniversary galas ever experienced in the country.
VICTOR OJELABI
Senior PR Associate
Neo Media & Marketing | Chair, Publicity Committee, NACC Presidential Inauguration Dinner & Awards Night
As the Lenten Season commences, I extend heartfelt wishes to all Christians in Nigeria and worldwide who partake in this sacred time.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday, the 40-day period is a time of fasting, prayer, and repentance, preparing believers for the joyous celebration of Easter.
During Lent, Christians engage in earnest prayer, self-denial, almsgiving, and deep spiritual reflection. It is a solemn reminder of life's transient nature, echoed in the Holy Scriptures: "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19)
This year's Lent, a time of devotion and reflection for Christians, coincides with the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, a season that similarly emphasises devotion, sacrifice, and acts of kindness. This convergence of religious observances is a testament to the unity in diversity that characterises our nation.
Beyond fasting and prayer, I urge all Nigerians to embrace the love of Jesus Christ by showing compassion and empathy to those around us.
Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, comfort the grieving, visit the sick, and uplift the marginalised. The Scriptures remind us that our love for one another is a true testament of worship.
Let this season deepen our commitment to selflessness and service as we strive to build a nation where empathy and generosity shape our daily interactions.
This period of reflection coincides with encouraging progress in our nation. We ended 2024 positively, as our economy showed strong growth in the last quarter compared to the same period in 2023. Food prices are declining, the exchange rate is stabilising, fuel prices are dropping, and our internal security is strengthening. Our security and law enforcement agencies are making commendable strides. This progress fills us with steadfast hope and optimism for the future.
As we journey through this season with penitence and steadfast devotion to God Almighty, may His kindness bring healing to the sick, prosperity to our people, and peace to our nation.
May we experience God's goodness in a profound way this Lenten season. May He renew our hearts, strengthen our faith, and guide us on righteousness.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria