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Secondary Explosion Responsible for Death of 10 Civilians in Sokoto Not Military Airstrikes - DHQ
AFOLABI
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday said the coordinated onslaught against Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto State by air and land components of operation Fansan Yamma were not responsible for the alleged civilian casualties.
The military said civilian casualties resulted from a secondary explosion, contrary to the erroneous media report that military airstrikes hit wrong location and killed no fewer than 10 armless and innocent citizens in a village in Sokoto state.
Also yesterday, the Nigerian military allayed fears of citizens over the acquisition of drones by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists to attack troops’ locations.
On December 25, a coordinated joint operation was conducted between the air and land components of Operation Fansan Yamma to destroy Lakurawa terrorist groups in their hideouts at Gidan Bissah and Gidan Rotuwa in Jilukon Forest, in Sokoto State killing no fewer than 10 villagers.
Refuting the alleged killing of civilians during airstrikes in North-west operational theatre, the Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba, revealed that locals confirmed that the Lakurawa terrorists stayed in the village and used the area for the conduct of their operations.
Buba stated that intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance as well as human intelligence reports prior to the operation consistently indicated the hideout was a high concentration terrorist location.
According to him, “The air strikes at the end of the day had minor impact on the surrounding villages.
“The air strikes indeed hit logistic base of the terrorist which led to secondary explosions and it was these secondary explosions that led to some casualties that was earlier reported.
“The neutralised lakurawa terrorist combatants were burnt indeed beyond recognition because they were hit directly by the strikes”.
Buba noted that the terrorists are known to blend within the local populace.
“We knew about this and it is for this reason that we painstakingly made sure that we minimise civilian casualty in this strike and because the terrorists blend among the civil populace, it is often difficult to differentiate friend from foe.
“In summarising, I would say that troops target terrorists and not innocent citizens. Having said that, we must also remember that war is ugly and horrible in every sense. War is never beautiful and it is the worst human endeavor ever,” he stressed.
This, he said was the reason the military often explain what troops were doing in the field knowing that by so doing they have a better chance to deny the enemy to manipulate things and use it for their purposes or to their advantage.
Buba said every innocent soul lost in the course of their operation was a tragedy and they do sympathise with their loved ones and their families whenever such occurs.
“But we must be reminded that our troops are very professional in their actions and are indeed turning the tide against the insurgents and terrorists.
‘We encourage citizens and say that together we make an extraordinary difference even as ordinary people. We call on your support always and we want to thank the people in that community that tremendously helped our operation to be this successful.
“We wouldn’t have been able to do it without their cooperation and the intel that they provided us. Thank you very much. The Armed Forces have to protect our citizens and it is for these reasons that we carry out our operations to make sure that citizens are protected and our territory and our territorial integrity is also secured.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military yesterday allayed fear of citizens over the acquisition of drones by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists to attack troops locations.
The military said there was no cause for alarm as the drones used by the terrorists are not military-graded unmanned aerial vehicles.
Buba, said this while fielding questions from journalists during a press briefing in Abuja yesterday.
Buba said the drones used by terrorists were “toys” to harass civilians.
“The report about the usage of drones. I don’t think that there’s need for any unnecessary panic about the usage of drones.
“We are in war against terrorists and against insurgents across our country and all you need to know is not far from what you see happening in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Hamas and all that. The use of drones in the battlefield is not new.
“Now when we are talking of drones, we don’t want unnecessary panic because these are not professional drones, not military-grade drones.
“These are toys that they went to buy and found a way to put one or two things on board and use them. How effective were they? They were not effective. Are we doing something about it? Yes, we are.
“Since we now know that this is where their thinking and their thoughts are going, we have to take measures to control such attacks. I don’t call them really attacks, I call them harassments,” he said.
Buba further clarified that there was no foreign military base in Nigeria, adding that Nigeria has refused to be a ground for any proxy war.
According to him, “We don’t have any foreign military base. We said this more than one time, we do not have any foreign military base in Nigeria. “Anyone who is saying that is trying to be mischievous… trying to be misleading and definitely he has an agenda.
“There is no foreign military base in Nigeria to be a ground for proxy war. We don’t want our country to be a ground for proxy war. You accept one person, the enemy of that person will start to woo you. That is a proxy war. We don’t want that.
“So anywhere you hear anybody talking like that, I think they are doing that as a distraction.”
To spend N35.68trn on capital projects, recurrent get N38.57 trn
•Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Delta, Enugu, A/Ibom emerge as heavy spenders
•Gombe, Yobe, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Nasarawa’re least spenders
•Lagos’ N3trn surpasses North-East six states’ N2.6trn
•Rivers, FCT yet to announce budgets
TO alleviate poverty and improve the fortunes of the citizenry in 2025, the Federal Government and 35 of the 36 states of the country have proposed to spend N74.249 trillion as budget next year.
Rivers State, which is enmeshed in political crisis and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, are yet to announce their budgets.
The N74.249 trillion could be more, by the end of 2025, as the Federal Government and most of the states’ proposals are yet to be passed by the legislature. There is also the likelihood of supplementary appropriations.
According to Vanguard’s summation of the various budgets, the sum of N35.676 trillion or 48.05 per cent would be spent on capital projects while recurrent expenditures were allocated N38.573 trillion (51.95 per cent).
Indeed, most of the 35 states allocated more funds to capital expenditure except Ekiti , Osun and the Federal Government (see table).
Ekiti State proposed to spend N183.464 billion of its N375.790 billion budget on capital projects and earmarked N192.327 billion for recurrent expenditure.
On its part, Osun State proposed N390.028 billion, voted N144.231 billion for capital expenditure, and N245.797billion for recurrent.
At the centre, the Federal Government unveiled a N49.74 trillion proposal made up of N30.45 recurrent expenditure and N19.29 trillion capital expenditure.
The recurrent budget consists of N16.33 trillion (debt servicing) and N14.12 trillion (non-debt recurrent). And the capital expenditure includes N14.85 trillion (projects) and N4.44trillion (statutory transfers).
Among the states, the heavy spenders are Lagos (N3.005 trillion), Niger (N1.5 trillion), Ogun (N1.0545 trillion), Delta (N979.2 billion), Enugu (N971.8 billion) and Akwa Ibom (N955 billion).
The least spenders include Gombe (N320.11billion), Yobe (320.811 billion), Ekiti (N375.79 billion) Nasarawa (N382.57billion) and Ebonyi (N396.59 billion).
Among the zones, the South-West came tops with N6.202 trillion and the least is North-East with N2.610 trillion.
The others are North-West (N4.382 trillion), North-Central (N4.0265trillion), South-South (without Rivers) has N3.807 trillion, and South-East N3.481 trillion).
As the economic nerve centre of the nation, the N3.005 trillion budget of Lagos surpasses the N2.610 trillion proposed by the six states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe) of the Northeast.
The Lagos figure is about N476 billion less than the entire budgets of the five (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo) South-East states (N3.481 billion)
![[PRESS RELEASE] Governor Adeleke Exercises Prerogatives of Mercy towards 53 Convicts](/media/k2/items/cache/ac5bc3f6521fbe411d3161c7badce378_M.jpg)
In line with the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Ademola Adeleke has exercised prerogative of mercy towards 53 convicts serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The letter of commutation dated December 24th, 2024 and which has since been received and acknowledged by the relevant prison authorities read as follows:
"WHEREAS: the inmates whose names are set out in the schedule to this order have been convicted to various terms of imprisonment to wit.
(i) Simple offences and have served substantial portions of the sentences,
(ii) Convicts sentenced to death
"(having spent a minimum of 10 years in custody.)
"AND WHEREAS: following the recommendation made to me by the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy that I should exercise my power in relation to the said inmates in order to mark the 2024 Christmas celebration.
"AND WHEREAS: in the case of the 30 (thirty) inmates convicted of simple offences, I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to remit and forgive the remainder of the said sentences in whole.
"AND WHEREAS: I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to grant outright pardon to 12 (Twelve) inmates convicted of simple offences.
"4 (Four) Convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright pardon. AND WHEREAS: I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to commute the sentences as follows;
"1 (One) convict has his sentence commuted from death to 15 (Fifteen) years imprisonment.
"6 (Six) Convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright release.
"Now know ye therefore that, I Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the power conferred on me by paragraph (a), (c) and (d) of subsection (i) of section 212 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), I am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto the said inmates.
"My will and pleasure thereof, is that you commute the death, life and years of imprisonment as indicated herewith in the schedule"
Those in the schedule are as follows:
CONVICTS RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT PARDON (SIMPLE OFFENCES)
1. OLABOMIJI NURUDEEN
2. MUSTAPHA ISAH
3. OLALEKAN ABDULLAHI
4. AYOMIDE OLOJEDE
5. AKEEM RAPHAEL
6. ADEYEMI ABIODUN
7. OLADIPUPO SEGUN
8. OMISAKIN SUNDAY
9. ADEMOLA ADIO
10. TUNDE OLAPADE
11. LATE CHIEF WOLE OLA
RUFUS OJO
12. OMOLOYE OLAJIDE
OLAYEMI
CONVICTS RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT RELEASE (SIMPLE OFFENCES)
1. OLUBO SUNDAY
2. ISAH UMAR BIODUN
3. FAWAS KAREEM
4. OMIRIN TEMITAYO
5. OLARENWAJU AYOMIDE
6. DARE SUNDAY
7. OLADAPO TUNDE
8. GANIYU SAHEED
9. ADEWUMI SODIQ
10. ADEBAYO ADEOYE
KEHINDE
11. LASIS KAZEEM
12. DAUDA OJO (59 YEARS)
13. ISMAILA RAJI
14. OSENI MICHEAL
15. AJAYI KOREDE
16. ABIONA NURUDEEN
17. OSHI SAMUEL
18. SHEU YUSUF OLATUNJI
19. OJO AANU
20. MUSTAPHA KEHINDE
21. LASIS ABEEB
22. ALEXANDRA IORLAHA
23. OJO TAIWO
24. AZEEZ MUJEEB
25. AKINYEMI DAVID
26. ADEOSUN ADEKUNLE
27. OLAOBAJU SAMUEL
28. ADURA ADEFEMI
29. PAUL BASIL
30. KUNLE DAVID
CONVICT RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT PARDON FOR GOOD CONDUCT (CAPITAL OFFENCES) - 4 (FOUR)
1. SUNDAY MORAKINYO
2. SEGUN OLOWOOKERE
3. TUNDE OLAPADE
4. DEMOLA ODEYEMI
CONVICT RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT RELEASE ON HEALTH GROUND, (CAPITAL OFFENCES) -
1 OLUWAFEMI FAGBEMI
2 BEWAJI SUNDAY
3. AMEHIN GEORGE
4. AYOMIDE ARULOGUN
5. TAIWO OLUWATOBI STEPHEN
6. ABUBAKAR ABDULAZEEZ
CONVICT RECOMMENDED TO BE COMMUTED FROM DEATH TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT HAVING SPENT AT LEAST 10
YEARS IN CUSTODY
1. OJEKUNLE TIMOTHY
Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.
The National Bureau of Statistics has earmarked N35m in its 2025 budget proposal for “Capacity Building on Cybersecurity and Data Centre Management.”
This allocation comes at a critical time as the agency grapples with the aftermath of a cyberattack that compromised its website on December 18, 2024.
The breach, which was publicly disclosed via the bureau’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, led to a warning for the public to disregard any information on the platform until the situation is resolved.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the vulnerability of the bureau’s digital infrastructure, especially considering its crucial role as Nigeria’s primary source of statistical data.
In addition to the cybersecurity allocation, the NBS’s 2025 budget proposal includes several other projects aimed at improving its operational efficiency, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery.
For instance, the bureau has allocated N55m for the National Agricultural Sample Survey, N20m for the Compilation of Tourism, Education, Health, and Natural Resources Satellite Accounts, N50m for Tracking the Implementation of the 8-Point Agenda, and N50m for the System of Administrative Statistics Reports.
Other notable allocations include N60m for the National Integrated Survey of Establishment, N45m for Reform and Service Delivery Capacity Building, N35m for SDG Tracking, and N30m for the Revision of the Statistics Act.
Additional allocations of N25m each have been designated for Financial Management Capacity Building and Sustainable Procurement Methods Capacity Building, while N10m has been earmarked for developing capacity in creating infographics and statistical reports.
One of the most significant allocations in the budget is N500m for the Labour Force Survey.
The Compilation of Quarterly GDP by Production, Expenditure, and Income has been allocated N60m.
N15m has been allocated for the Waste Generated Statistics Report in Nigeria, while the NBS Annual Report and Quarterly Progress Reports have been allocated N10m.
Also, N80m has been set aside for the National Consultative Committee on Statistics, an initiative that facilitates collaboration among stakeholders in the national statistical system.
The Annual Abstract of Statistics has received N15m, while the Production of Demographic Statistics Bulletin has been allocated N9m.
N36m has been allocated for the Quarterly Production of Foreign Trade in Goods and Trade Intensity Index, while Producer Price Index Production, which measures changes in the prices of goods and services at the producer level, has been allocated N40m.
Similarly, the Consumer Price Index Production, a critical measure of inflation, has been allocated N80m, reflecting its central role in economic analysis and policymaking.
The bureau’s total expenditure proposed amounts to N9.85bn, with personnel costs constituting the majority of the allocation.
A significant portion of the budget is directed towards personnel costs, which account for N6.65bn.
With the website hack lasting for about a week, this may lead to delay in the release of critical reports by the government agency.
The NBS, a critical government agency responsible for collecting and disseminating statistical data on Nigeria’s economy, governance, and development, plays a pivotal role in informing public policy and decision-making processes.
The cyberattack highlights the increasing vulnerability of government institutions to digital threats.
Earlier, The PUNCH reported that Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is under siege from cybercriminals, with organisations facing an average of 3,759 cyberattacks weekly.
This was according to the latest 2024 African Perspectives on Cyber Security Report by Check Point Software Technologies.
The report paints a grim picture of the country’s vulnerability as it increasingly embraces digitalisation, with critical sectors such as finance, government, and education bearing the brunt of the attacks.
The report noted that government institutions are not spared, with public sector entities experiencing an average of 1,791 attacks weekly.
Ransomware and botnet activities dominate the threats to this sector, which plays a crucial role in managing the nation’s economy.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Monday, addressed newly promoted Nigerian Army major generals at their decoration ceremony
The defence chief reminded the generals of the impact their leadership has on both the armed forces and the nation.
Speaking at the event, Musa urged the officers to maintain dedication to their duties and uphold the highest standards of military excellence.
Drawing from his operational experience alongside many of the promoted officers in various theaters including Mongonuu, Damaturu, and other strategic locations, Musa praised their commitment to service.
Quoting him, “Having reached the peak of your careers, always remember that the Nigerian Army and the armed forces will continue to rely on the leadership and expertise of individuals like you to safeguard our country and its people. Nigeria is looking up to us. We must do everything to defend democracy in Nigeria and across the sub-region.
“As a Chief of Defense, I am proud to witness this momentous occasion which is a testament of your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Gentlemen, your promotion is well-deserved recognition of your achievements and a reflection that almost all of you have had one reason or the other to have operated together with you either at the theater, especially Sector 3, Mongonu, Sector 2, Damaturu, Teatr Hekotas, and every other location. And this is a clear indication that there is a reward for hard work.”
Musa added, “It takes men of steel and character for the Armed Forces to succeed and the rank of Major General signifies a high level of responsibility and a deep sense of duty towards the country.
“It is a duty and a task for all of us to perform. We have been dealing with insurgencies, terrorism, banditry for 15, 16 years and still counting and I think it is high time that we dealt with it finally and I know we can do it.
“So I want to call on all of us to put on our thinking caps and make that great sacrifice that 2025 should be a determining year for the armed forces of Nigeria.”
He urged Nigerians to unite in support of the Armed Forces and other security services, saying that the country’s success and progress depended on everyone working together.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, stated that as the Army works to achieve national security goals, more accountability will be expected of the promoted senior commanders.
He told the major generals that they have a role to perform and that higher rank entails more responsibility “to whom much is given, much is correspondingly expected.”
“This is a fact that the majority fail to come to terms with until they are forced to do so and the boats will start sailing. So, let me challenge you to start perfecting your post-service life in Levos quietly as to bask in the euphoria of your Promotion. However, you must not let such plans interfere with your jobs in any way to avoid a conflict of interest.
“I congratulate the newly decorated Major Generals and their families on their well-deserved elevation to the enviable rank of two-star General in the General Army.
“I particularly congratulate and appreciate the spouses and immediate family members of these celebrants without whose support and prayers their current achievements may not have been possible,” General Oluyede said.
Dear Fellow Nigerians,
On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures.
Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.
Recent tragic events in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick.
As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms.
Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement.
We must also honour our brave troops, who risk their lives to safeguard our nation. They deserve our prayers and steadfast support.
Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation's leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.
Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.
For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient. We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has resumed trucking out of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, after a one-week halt in operations.
The refinery had abruptly stopped loading petrol a fortnight ago without providing any explanation, leaving many marketers stranded.
According to sources, the Port Harcourt Refinery Depot was inactive last Thursday, with an empty loading bay and no signs of activity throughout the preceding week.
However, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had stated that preparations for loading operations were ongoing.
Contrary to earlier reports, it was gathered that the lifting of petrol commenced on Saturday, with 11 trucks loading PMS from the depot.
A visit to the facility on Monday revealed that, although activities had not fully commenced, trucks were seen driving into the 18-arm loading bay from 1:14 pm onwards.
The Guardian observed that the first set of trucks arrived at the Onyema gate, the entrance point for trucks, at around 12:21 pm. The trucks, which were assumed to have been cleared from a designated area, were allowed to proceed to the loading bay.
By 12:26 pm, a total of seven trucks had been cleared and were ready to proceed to the loading bay to lift Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The trucks eventually made their way to the loading bay at around 1:30 pm.
However, despite the resumption of loading operations, activities at the depot remained slow.
By 2 pm, only two trucks had loaded, while six others were still queuing to load. Two trucks had already loaded and left the loading bay, while three others were in the process of loading.
A fire service truck was stationed at the loading bay in case of any fire outbreak. The first truck started lifting petrol at exactly 1:18 pm, and by 4:30 pm, a total of ten trucks had lifted petrol.
Marketers at the depot expressed dissatisfaction with the frequent shutting down of loading operations without explanation.
They also lamented that only three out of the 18 arms in the loading bay were functional, while the others had yet to be calibrated.
One marketer, who identified himself as Liti, stated, “We are not happy over what is happening here. If operations were going on fully here, you would see this place full of trucks, and they can load up to 50 trucks before 6 pm. So, let the government come and help us and make sure the refinery is working well.”
It was also gathered that not all the arms in the loading bay were designated for petrol loading.
Some were meant for loading Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and Automated Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel. However, the refinery has yet to commence production of kerosene and diesel.
The resumption of petrol loading operations at the Port Harcourt Refining Company is expected to alleviate the fuel scarcity in the region.
However, the frequent shutdowns and technical issues at the refinery have raised concerns about the facility’s reliability and efficiency.
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] Airing Of Presidential Media Chat](/media/k2/items/cache/c037135f9453265ce919c01617f7a37c_S.jpg)
The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.
All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
The Federal Government has officially declared Wednesday, December 25, Thursday, December 26, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement released on Monday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians, encouraging them to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the festive season represents.
He urged citizens to use the holiday period to strengthen family bonds and promote harmony within their communities.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering peace, security, and prosperity across the nation, calling on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their dedication to national progress.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the positive impact of President Bola Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda in ushering in a more prosperous 2025.
The minister concluded by wishing all Nigerians a joyous Christmas and a fulfilling New Year, expressing confidence in a better and thriving economy in the months ahead.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has said that petrol is going to sell at N935 per litre beginning from Monday (today) based on the latest arrangement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
IPMAN’s National President, Maigandi Garima, said the reduction in Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price for petrol and the uniform arrangement being put in place, would enable marketers to sell at N935 in their outlets nationwide, incurring a cost of N36 on logistics.
“Dangote refinery has brought another new arrangement of loading and pricing by which marketers would pay a fixed ex-depot price of N899.50k.
“The refinery is running a programme whereby it wants the fuel consumption across the country to be at the same rate. We are expecting the new arrangement to kick-start on Monday. Previously, the loading price was N970 per litre, but from Monday, petrol prices will drop to N935,” Garima stated.
The association also stated that over 30,000 of its members are set to commence petrol loading from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Port Harcourt Refining Company following the reduction of the ex-depot price of the product to N899 per litre.
This came as it was observed that the pump price of petrol dropped on Sunday to between N950 and N980 per litre in a few filling stations in Lagos including MRS, BOVAS and NNPC. However, the cost was above N1,000 per litre in many other outlets in the state.
But IPMAN promised on Sunday that the price would drop further, as it said the cost of petrol would reduce to N935 per litre in more filling stations by Monday (today) in view of Dangote refinery’s new arrangement.
Similarly, retail outlet owners under the auspices of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria have begun registration with MRS filling station to lift Dangote petrol at N935 per litre.
The IPMAN National Publicity officer, Chinedu Ukadike, and the PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed these during separate exclusive interviews with The PUNCH on Sunday.
The development came after intense pricing competition in the nation’s downstream sector, which triggered a price war between NNPCL and Dangote due to a reduction in the ex-depot price to N899 per litre.
On Saturday, the NNPCL, in a surprising development, slashed petrol prices by 12 per cent, to the delight of Nigerians and marketers.
This decision, coming days after the Dangote Refinery reduced its price to N899, was confirmed by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria in a statement on Saturday.
Before now, petrol prices had consistently increased, causing customers to worry that the price hike might be sustained during the festive season.
The reduction in price to N935 in Lagos confirms projections by marketers and was exclusively reported by The PUNCH last Friday.
Providing further updates on the preparations for product lifting, the IPMAN publicity officer stated that marketers are getting ready to start loading petrol at a reduced price, as the national oil company has updated its pricing on the purchase portal.
Ukadike also said that the competition for market share between NNPCL and Dangote is beneficial for Nigerians because, in the end, it will reveal the true cost of PMS production and the expenses incurred in logistics.
According to him, the price war is central to a deregulated oil sector.
He said, “NNPCL has changed their price at their portal. It means that everyone who has access to that portal can be able to request and pay for products. Once you pay, you will called to the depot to pick up your products. Yes, they have changed the price on their portal.”
He continued, “For us, the reduced price remains a welcome development as that is the beauty of a deregulated sector. You know, when there are multiple sources of petroleum products, there will be production and pricing competition. That interplay of pricing has come to the centre stage, and it is now to the advantage of the commuters who wish that this petroleum product will be sold at a lesser price.
“The fight to control market share between NNPCL and Dangote is healthy for Nigerians because, at the end of the day, we would know the actual cost of PMS production and the amount spent on logistics.
“It will also help marketers in our retailing capacity and pick up more volumes. The cost today is very high, and the reduced price will help us pick more volumes. Commuters are no longer taking products the way they used to but with the price decrease, there will be heavy consumption.”
He further noted that marketers will not stick to a single supplier but patronise both refineries based on the location.
Ukadike said, “We would be picking our products from both refineries but the most important thing is the nearness to retail outlets. But Dangote arrangement is via MRS, and NNPCL is helping to load from other depots.”
Regarding a potential price reduction, the IPMAN national officer explained that marketers do not set prices; instead, the factors of demand and supply influence the price, which is why prices vary across the country.
The national officer also assured Nigerians that filling stations owned by its members will be open throughout the festive period and avoid artificial scarcity.
On his part, the PETROAN president said its members are registering with MRS filling to pick up products from its stations as the Dangote and PH refineries haven’t started product disbursement to its members.
He also stressed that a smooth product off-take starting today (Monday) will accelerate the implementation of the price reduction at retail centres nationwide.
He said, “We have not started picking up products from the Port Harcourt refinery, even from the Dangote refinery. But some of our members, out of their magnanimity, are trying to sell at a cheaper price even in Abuja.
“Dangote price mechanism brings value for PETROAN members, and we are partnering with MRS filling station to sell at N935 per litre nationwide. Our members partnering with MRS will do that. The station has opened its valves to accommodate as many members that can work with them. So from this morning (Sunday), we were already up and running on their platform to register our members. It is a wonderful thing that is coming up and we hope NNPCL will also follow suit.
“The economies of scale favour Dangote, but NNPCL is doing its best to flood the country with available products. I think a lot of good things will happen in the sector even till the new year.
“So let’s see how offtake of products will pan out across the country from tomorrow. If the demography of offtake spreads everywhere and we can compute what the logistics costs would be, it will be easy to predict what will happen. But, certainly, when refiners reduce price, and we can buy directly, we will ensure Nigerians benefit, and that is what PETROAN is doing.”
Also, on a potential price drop, the PETROAN official said, “We have mentioned severally that pricing was still going to drop, and that is the trajectory and reality of how this whole thing is going to play out. So gradually, the price will go down and then come down and vary. It’s not going to be static, and that is why I think it’s not right to do an armchair projection.”
Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery has said it is now operating at 85 per cent capacity and is on course to deliver European-standard products by January.
“We have gone up to 550,000 bpd, that is 85 per cent capacity in crude distillation,” Edwin Devakumar, head of the refinery, said in an interview with CNBC Africa.
The 650,000-bpd Dangote oil refinery built by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote in Lagos aims to compete with European refiners when operating at full capacity but has been struggling to secure sufficient crude locally.
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has refuted “in very strong terms” allegations that it is plotting to destabilise neighbouring Niger Republic.
The Nigerien authorities alleged that the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.
However, Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on Saturday signed by its acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, refuted the allegation.
“The Government of Nigeria condoles with the Government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline, but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities.
“The Government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria also expresses very serious concern and states categorically that there are no French military troops in the northern part of the country preparing to destabilize the Government of Niger.
“These allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety,” the Statement read in part.
It also noted that the relationship between Nigeria and France had always been cordial, saying it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
The government of Nigeria assured that it would continue to explore all peaceful means to maintain its cordial relationship with the Republic of Niger for the benefit of the people of both countries.
[DailyTrust]
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Cancels Scheduled Events In Lagos In Honour Of Victims Of Stampede In FCT, Anambra
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Cancels Scheduled Events In Lagos In Honour Of Victims Of Stampede In FCT, Anambra](/media/k2/items/cache/b50d5ce4ac9a248098c7605613f8e159_XS.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu cancelled all his official events in Lagos today, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.
The two tragedies claimed many lives and left many others injured.
President Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Queen's Drive residence in Ikoyi.
Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the State, were already seated when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.
Commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, President Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd control measures immediately.
He noted that it was very disturbing that the events at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, and a community Centre in Okija, Anambra State, bore a distressing resemblance to the recent incident in Ibadan, Oyo State.
He said local and state authorities should no longer tolerate operational lapses by organisations and corporate bodies involved in charitable and humanitarian activities.
While praying for the peaceful repose of innocent Nigerians who died in the stampede, President Tinubu wished a quick recovery to the injured.
He reiterated that these mishaps are avoidable if event planners adhere to necessary safeguards and protocols to ensure pre- and post-event safety.
''In a season of joy and celebration, we grieve with fellow citizens mourning the painful losses of their loved ones. Our prayers of divine comfort and healing are with them,'' President Tinubu said.
The President wished the Lagos State government, organisers of the Boat Regatta, themed ''Our Water, Our Heritage, Our Life,'' a successful and hitch-free festival.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
Less than one month after the Port Harcourt Refining Company appeared to have resumed production, the facility has stopped working.
Our correspondent, who visited the refinery on Thursday, December 19, 2024, observed that the lifting of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) had stopped.
It was gathered that lifting of petrol actually stopped since December 13, as the 18-arm loading bay of the new Port Harcourt refinery was empty.
While about 18 trucks littered the stretch of the busy road leading to the refinery itself, nine trucks were spotted inside the parking yard, while the loading bay was empty.
The depot, which is usually a beehive of activities where tankers scramble for space at the parking yard, was a shadow of itself with literally no vehicular or human activity relating to operations.
$1.5bn celebration
Recall that the inauguration of the 60,000 barrel per day production capacity plant by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, was met with celebration and fanfare. This was after $1.5bn was approved in March 2021 and spent on the rehabilitation of the facility.
During the re-opening of the facility, there was lifting of petrol to the excitement of the cheering crowd.
However, less than 10 trucks of petrol were lifted that day as against widespread claims that about 200 trucks carried petrol out of the bay.
Our correspondent also reported that no sooner had Kyari returned to Abuja than things returned to the old way, amidst allegations by stakeholders that the petrol lifted during the inauguration was old stock from the storage tank.
When our correspondent first visited the refinery three weeks ago, it was discovered that the loading bay was deserted without the lifting of products.
In response to the discovery, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria said operations were scaled down due to the calibration of meters at the loading bay and de-watering of the old stock, which had to be emptied to pave the way to receiving newly refined products.
A fortnight ago, tanker drivers drove in and started loading once again.
Journalists were also taken on a guided tour of the refinery, led by its Managing Director, Ibrahim Onoja.
Onoja stated, “The plant is running and we are trucking out our products. We have carried out an extensive revamp of this plant and changed most of the equipment.
“The pump and instrumentation, the cables are all brand new. So what we have done here is massive change and upgrade of the plant.”
Afterward, there was marked improvement as about 11 trucks lifted products, even as it was better the next day.
Back to default
However, when Saturday PUNCH visited on Thursday, it was learnt that production activities stopped one week ago.
A handful of drivers were seen sleeping in their trucks while doing nothing.
One of them, who spoke Hausa, said he learned the lifting of PMS would resume next Monday.
He, however, expressed doubt about the information as he counted the number of days with his fingers and muttered, “Three days; they said they would load on Monday.”
The number of workers and visitors could easily be counted as there were more security men clad in black trousers and blue shirts.
The guards were stationed at the entrance of the depot and the loading bay, and inside the loading bay itself. They kept themselves busy as they chatted away.
Speaking to our correspondent, another truck driver said, “It was Friday last week they loaded last. About 15 trucks or so loaded that day. Since then, not even a single truck has been loaded till now.”
Asked if any explanation was given, he replied, “I don’t know. Nobody is giving us any information or telling us anything. Some trucks that were here have left. I’m just here because my director said I should wait a bit.”
Meanwhile, a petroleum product marketer, Dappa Jubobaraye, has decried the state of refineries in the country.
Jubobaraye alleged that since Kyari inaugurated the plant, no production had taken place, pointing out that everything was just a show.
He stated, “It was intended to deceive Nigerians that the refinery is working and that is why they came up with that show. That day, only about four or five trucks loaded products.
“The loading meter was not calibrated before they started operation. Of the 18 loading arms at the bay only three are working and they have leakages. So, they have been trying to load three, four, five trucks, sometimes 10 just to show that they are working while they are not working.
“Since Mele Kyari came and left, the independent marketers have yet to load products from this depot because the NNPC is yet to fix prices for them to buy tickets and start loading products. They are only loading them to their own mega stations.
“The situation right now is that loading of PMS is not taking place because they don’t have the intention to make this place work. It is just to deceive the people.
“If you come into this place (depot), you will see trucks packed and think that loading is on; but the truth is that they are not working. Some tanker drivers have gone because they can’t come and waste time here.”
He continued, “How can you come here with the hope of loading and you stay here with your truck for two weeks, for what? Before the work stopped last week, they were loading up to 10, 15 but below 20.
“Ordinary one of the arms in the loading bay can load up to 20 to 30 trucks in a day. But for now, they are using only three arms out of the 18 loading arms inside the bay and the three are just for PMS alone. They have not started loading DPK (kerosene) and AGO (diesel). And kerosene is what concerns the ordinary more.”
Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the NNPC, Femi Soneye, were abortive as he did not take his calls or respond to a text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report.
Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, says the country needs to invest $20 billion annually to achieve the government’s economic targets by 2027.
Edun spoke on Friday during the citizens and stakeholders engagement on the implementation of presidential priorities and ministerial deliverables for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, in Abuja.
The minister said the additional $20 billion per year was required to grow the economy by an average of 6.3 percent in the medium term.
“We need significantly more growth, an additional $20 billion is the target we need for social infrastructure to facilitate logistics for agriculture,” he said.
The minister also said the government would rely primarily on increased revenue to meet the ambitious target.
He said there was a need for a robust tax revenue framework to secure the necessary funding, adding that sustainable economic growth hinged on the strategy.
“To achieve this target and grow the economy, the government can only secure the funds from revenue,” Edun said.
“Tax revenue needs to be increased to reach the desired levels.”
He said controlling the fiscal deficit and ensuring a stable exchange rate would boost investor confidence.
According to Edun, it will lead to more business activity in the country and increased tax revenue from investments.
“Once the deficit and exchange rate are under control, it will encourage investors to come and do business in Nigeria. In turn, they will pay their taxes,” he said.
Edun further said President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda had been a huge success.
On her part, Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of state for finance, said the federal ministry of finance, just like every other ministry, has a bilateral engagement with departments and agencies under its supervision to report the ministry’s performance quarterly.
“The two major revenue generating agencies under the supervision of the ministry are the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Nigeria Custom service,” Uzoka-Anite said.
“They performed above their target and this is highly commendable.”
Uzoka-Anite said all the agencies under the ministry have performed well.
N50TRN BUDGET FOR 2025
Edun said the government projects a N50 trillion budget for 2025, with N35 trillion in expected revenue, nearly doubling 2024 levels.
According to the minister, the plan is to focus on strategic investments and robust reforms.
“To achieve this goal, the government has implemented subsidy reforms, which have stabilized the macroeconomic environment, reducing the fiscal deficit to 4.4 percent and debt service-to-revenue ratio from 149 percent in 2023 to 67 percent,” Edun said.
“Foreign reserves have also grown significantly, reaching $42 billion.
“The plan focuses on several key sectors, including energy, agriculture, industry, and social protection.
“Investments in compressed natural gas, LPG, and renewable energy are accelerating, while efforts to achieve food security include large-scale farming programs.
“Nigeria is also leveraging its digital economy, with startups dominating Africa’s unicorn landscape.”
Edun said with the comprehensive plan, Nigeria is poised to achieve sustainable growth and poverty reduction, improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.