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The Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical is set to begin fuel exports to South Africa, Angola, and Namibia, Saturday PUNCH can confirm.
A highly credible source, who confirmed this exclusively to one of our correspondents on Friday, said the management of the 650,000-barrel per-day capacity refinery was at advanced stages of talks with the countries to start lifting fuel.
Our correspondents gathered that four other African countries – Niger Republic, Chad, Burkina Faso and Central Africa Republic – had also started negotiation with the refinery.
Saturday PUNCH was reliably informed that more countries were being expected to signify interest in lifting fuel from the refinery in the coming months.
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Ghana was recently reported to have expressed interest in buying petrol from the $20bn Lekki-based refinery.
The Chairman of the National Petroleum Authority, Ghana, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, said the arrangement with Dangote refinery would end his country’s monthly $400m fuel imports from Europe.
“I can confirm to you that talk is actually at advance stage with Ghana, Angola, Namibia and South Africa, while initial discussion is coming up with Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso and Central African Republic,” the source said.
When asked why marketers are insisting on not buying from Dangote despite the refinery’s capacity, the source said the dealers had hidden agenda.
“However, between now and January 2025, their plan would be exposed. Dangote refinery remains the hope of this country for a sustainable supply of petrol and the refinery has the capacity to serve the entire country,” the source added.
Meanwhile, local marketers have resolved to import fuel from outside the country.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria last week insisted on fuel importation after accusing the Dangote refinery of selling fuel to Nigerians at an exorbitant price.
The marketers are awaiting the approvals of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to import cheaper petrol.
The marketers argued that importing more affordable petrol would offer relief for consumers still adjusting to the price surges following the removal of fuel subsidy.
However, to proceed, the marketers requested access to foreign exchange from the CBN, and permits from NMDPRA to ensure compliance with fuel quality and regulatory standards.
The NMDPRA has, however, refuted claims that IPMAN and PETROAN were allowed to obtain petrol import licence as associations.
An official of the NMDPRA, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, said the agency could not approve the request of oil marketers to obtain import licence as an association, but based on individual requests.
The source added that individual application was the stipulated law and could not be shelved.
“The truth of the matter is that they can’t apply for petrol import licence as a body or association. Individual marketers have to apply by themselves before they can be granted that licence. They have to apply by themselves. We are not going to give the permit jointly so they can’t apply as an association.
“So, this also means that if individual marketers don’t apply for it, we can’t approve it.”
Responding, the National Public Relations Officer of PETROAN, Dr Joseph Obele, said the association applied for the import licence about one month ago through its newly incorporated trading wing.
He described Dangote as an “aggressive competitor” who would go to any length to monopolise the market.
“You should know that Dangote is just out to close all the doors and windows so that no person enters the market. He is determined to ensure that nobody enters the market as a competitor. We assure Nigerians that as soon as the regulatory agency approves our authority to import, this price of PMS that is causing pain to Nigerians right now will crash to the barest minimum.
“The product we are planning to import is one of the best products so far, far better than his (Dangote) own, but he is just telling Nigerians that any product that is coming into the country is not better than his own.
“We call on Nigerians to support the call for dismantling monopolies so that we can liberate the market; otherwise, we will remain in the trap we are. We are trapped at the moment; we are trapped with exploitation and the only way out of the trap is to dismantle every dimension of monopoly and we are calling on Nigerians to support us,” Obele said.
President Bola Tinubu has approved that ministers of state be given full powers to supervise the agencies under them, TheCable can report.
Until now, files pertaining to departments and agencies under their supervision were sent by their permanent secretaries to the senior ministers.
With the new dispensation, ministers of state can now grant all necessary administrative approvals on the governance process of these agencies and departments.
According to a source in the office of the head of service of the federation, “the president was not pleased with the prevailing governing framework in which ministers of states were just ministers in name”.
This, Tinubu reportedly said, led to the “underutilisation of the expertise and capabilities” of most ministers of state.
“The president believes ministers of state should have the right to make decisions and direct action within their areas of responsibility,” the official added.
The source said the idea — first mooted by Hadiza Bala Usman, special adviser to the president on policy coordination and head, central delivery coordination unit — got an instant buy-in from the president.
With the new directive, the administration hopes “to unleash” the potential of all the ministers, the source added.
Tinubu’s cabinet is made up of 48 ministers, but 16 of them are junior.
Ministries with ministers of state are: agriculture and food security, defence,education, FCT, foreign affairs, health, petroleum (oil), petroleum (gas), humanitarian and poverty reduction, and women affairs.
Others are: works, regional development, labour and employment, finance, trade and investment, and housing and urban development.
Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that Nigeria is undergoing a fundamental and disruptive reset, following the removal of subsidies by President Bola Tinubu.
Soludo made this remark during Veritas University’s 13th convocation lecture in Abuja, on Thursday.
The lecture, titled ‘Let Us Make a New Deal for Nigeria’, explored ways to address the country’s challenges.
Soludo noted the need to transition from subsidies, which largely benefitted the urban elite, to a productive social contract that creates opportunities for all.
He explained that the country has ended the harmful fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity subsidies.
“We have entered a ‘muddling-through’ phase that requires careful navigation,” Soludo said.
He acknowledged that, despite other issues, the military regimes invested in education during Nigeria’s early oil booms.
Soludo urged Nigerians to craft a pragmatic new deal for the country, as well as an emergency national infrastructure plan, similar to the United States Marshal Plan used to rebuild Europe after World War II.
He encouraged Nigerian leaders to draw inspiration from the marshal plan to implement public works projects, financial reforms, and regulatory changes that could transform the nation.
He also highlighted positive signs, such as the minimum wage legislation, the draft tax reform bill, and planned cash transfers.
He called for historic coordination between federal and state governments to ensure swift implementation of these reforms.
Soludo urged the graduating students to actively contribute to the country’s future.
He said, “The future you seek is in your hands. Only those who plan can control the future. While Nigeria may not have given you much, you are expected to give more than you have received.”
He encouraged them to participate in shaping the nation’s destiny.
The United States President Joe Biden has asked Americans to accept the victory of Republican Party candidate Donald Trump in the presidential election.
On November 6, Trump won the presidential election after exceeding the magic number of 270 electoral college votes.
Trump defeated Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party, who has 219 electoral college votes.
Harris has congratulated Trump on his electoral victory.
During a speech on Thursday at the White House Rose Garden, Biden said, “We accept the choice the country made.”
“I know for some people, it’s time for victory to state the obvious. For others, it’s a time of loss,” the US president said.
“Campaigns are contests of competing visions. The country chooses one or the other.
“I’ve said many times, you can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbour only when you agree.
“I will do my duty as president. I’ll fulfil my oath and honour the Constitution. On January 20, we will have a peaceful transfer of power here in America.
“Remember, defeat does not mean we are defeated. We lost this battle. The America of your dream is calling for you to get back up.
“The America experiment endures. We are going to be okay, but we need to stay engaged. We need to keep going. Above all, we need to keep the faith.”
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki, on Thursday, urged chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party to ensure unity within the party by not allowing individual presidential ambitions to cause division.
The two party leaders made this appeal during the official inauguration of the Board of Governors and the unveiling of the roadmap for the Peoples Democratic Institute at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.
This appeal follows growing concerns that the presidential ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, and Makinde himself could escalate internal divisions within the party, potentially derailing the ongoing reconciliation efforts led by the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led committee.
In recent months, the PDP has become divided into factions loyal to Atiku and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Tensions heightened when Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, expressed his interest in running for the presidency in 2027.
Saraki, addressing the gathering on Thursday, said that the PDP, once the party of the masses, had come a long way and should not be sacrificed for individual aspirations.
“The party was built on ideas, philosophies, and policies. Let us move away from building ideas on personal ambition. We cannot have an ambition if we don’t have a party. We cannot have a party if we don’t have ideas. This is where it starts. This is the foundation,” Saraki said.
He continued, “Let us stop talking about who is running for councillor, governor, or president in 2027. Let us focus on what the PDP represents. What are the issues and policies that we must address? This is what Nigerians want to know. That is why I support this institute. I hope others will too, because this is the foundation.
“I have travelled to several places, and when people meet us, even in Europe, they ask where our institute is. It is an embarrassment that, as a major political party, we did not have one until now. But today, we are closing that chapter. The message we send to Nigerians is that this is a serious party. We are leaders. Let PDP lead in that way.”
While expressing gratitude for the opportunities his political success has afforded him through the party, the Oyo state governor urged every PDP member to strive to be remembered for helping revive the party’s fortunes.
“A lot has been said about the PDI and its origins. But what do we want to be remembered for? This is the essence and significance of today. Abba Moro has said that since 1998, he has benefitted from the PDP. I too have benefitted since 2019. I want to thank our great party and all the stakeholders here today for giving me the opportunity to secure not one, but two mandates, back to back, under this umbrella,” he stated.
Makinde added, “The only thing I can promise is that, having drawn from this well, I will not pollute it when it is time for me to leave office. The journey here has not been easy, but I am grateful that we have overcome many obstacles. However, since the 2015 elections, things have only gone from bad to worse. As we face the next level of economic instability and renewed troubles, the PDP must offer real hope for Nigeria. Our country needs direction, and Nigerians are looking to the PDP for an ideological foundation.”
The governor continued by pledging support for the PDP’s governorship candidate in Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi, stressing that victory in the state requires unity.
“As we head to Ondo State, we need true reconciliation and unity to overcome the APC there. We know we are more popular. You saw the debate, and our candidates are the only ones with a clear vision for governance in Ondo. So, we must work together to ensure that no form of rigging, either institutional or propagated by the ruling party, succeeds.”
He concluded, “We must go to Ondo as one united party and resist any attempt to undermine the will of the people. The PDP is the only party in Nigeria that has allowed youth to be part of the political process, and I know that the PDI will only expand this space. I am not too old; my mind and body remain youthful, and I will be part of the effort to give youth opportunities in politics.
“This unveiling marks the renewal of PDP’s pledge to start planning for governance and create a blueprint to rebuild our nation. The PDP can and will do everything it can to fix Nigeria. We will fix the PDP, and then the PDP will fix Nigeria. That is the foundation of real hope for the people of Nigeria.”
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the rise of a new terrorist group called ‘Lukarawas’, which is further escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest region.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this during a military briefing on Thursday in Abuja, where he provided an update on ongoing military operations.
According to Buba, the group originated from the Republic of Niger following the recent coup that disrupted military cooperation between Niger and Nigeria.
He noted that after the political upheaval in Niger, the group began infiltrating northern areas of Sokoto and Kebbi States, exploiting routes from Niger and Mali.
Buba highlighted that before the coup, joint border operations with Nigerien security forces were effective in curbing terrorist activities.
“The terrorists capitalized on the lapse in collaboration between the two nations and leveraged challenging terrains to penetrate remote regions of certain northwestern states and propagate their ideology,” he said.
He further explained that some local communities initially welcomed the group, mistaking their intentions, and failed to alert the military or security agencies about their presence.
Maj.-Gen. Buba assured the public that military forces had intensified intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) efforts to weaken the group.
He also mentioned that the terrorists continue to exploit under-governed spaces to evade capture, hide, and intimidate residents.
“Troops are tracking them down and neutralizing the threat,” Buba added.
[PRESS RELEASE] Oyebanji Approves Another N1Billion For Gratuities, Pays Two Months Pension Arrears to LG Pensioners
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Oyebanji Approves Another N1Billion For Gratuities, Pays Two Months Pension Arrears to LG Pensioners](/media/k2/items/cache/9e36a5e0b299b85c89efddf0790f12ec_S.jpg)
...releases subvention to higher institutions
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has approved the release of the sum of one billion naira as gratuity to State pensioners.
Similarly, the Governor has also approved payment of two months pension arrears to local government pensioners.
This is coming barely a month after the Governor distributed a total N3.5 billion in gratuity cheques to retirees in the state, in a bold effort aimed at offseting the backlog of outstanding gratuities.
Additionally, Governor Oyebanji has also approved payment of two months outstanding subvention to Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and one month outstanding subvention each to Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti; Bamidele Olomilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti; and College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero- Ekiti.
Also, approved for release is one month outstanding subvention to the Judiciary.
The payments are in fulfilment of the Governor’s promise to priortise welfare and wellbeing of workers and retirees and ensure that all outstanding entitlements of workers and pensioners owed by previous administrations are paid to them in line with the continuity and shared prosperity agenda of the administration.
The Governor urges workers in the state to remain focused on excellent service delivery, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to their welfare as well as payment of all their entitlements.
Yinka Oyebode
Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor
07-11-2024
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has congratulated Vice President Kamala Harris for her resilience in the last US presidential election.
Peter Obi said Harris contested with courage and strength, even though the will of the American people prevailed.
In a statement, on Thursday, the Labour Party chieftain stated that the peaceful conduct of the US presidential election should inspire Nigeria to abandon outdated electoral practices.
He added he was optimistic that Donald Trump‘s victory would reinforce democracy worldwide and contribute to fostering global peace.
Obi said, “Yesterday (Wednesday), I extended my congratulations to President Donald Trump on his successful return as the 47th President of the United States.
“I am optimistic that his victory will reinforce democracy worldwide and contribute to fostering much-needed global peace.
“I also congratulate Vice President Kamala Harris on her resilience and dedication throughout this political journey.
“She contested with courage and strength, yet in the end, the will of the people prevailed.
“The peaceful conduct of these U.S. elections, along with the efficient transmission and release of results, should serve as an example and an inspiration for us here in Nigeria to abandon outdated practices such as electoral malpractice, vote-buying, election violence, and network disruptions that continue to hinder our democratic process.”
The former governor of Anambra State added, “No democratic election is complete unless the people’s will is genuinely reflected through the ballots.
“As a nation, let us collectively work to restore the integrity of our electoral system and ensure that our process for choosing leaders is free, fair, and reflective of the people’s true desires.”
For the second time in less than 48 hours, the national grid has collapsed again, plunging the country into another round of darkness.
The system glitch, which happened around 11:28am on Thursday, is the second this week and 10th incident in 2024.
A check on Independent System Operator, an autonomous arm of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) showed only 3.7 megawatts of electricity was on the grid by 12 noon this Thursday.
The ISO’s website showed the generation plants produced an average of 2,709.45 megawatts of electricity around 11am.
As of the time of filing this report, TCN was yet to state the reason for the latest grid collapse.
Confirming the development, Jos Electricity Distribution Company stated that the current outage being experienced within its franchise was a result of loss of power supply from the national grid.
“The loss of power supply from the national grid occurred this morning at about 11:28 hours of today, Thursday, 7th November 2024, hence the loss of power supply on all our feeders.
“We hope to restore normal power supply to our esteemed customers as soon as the grid supply is restored back to normalcy,” JEDC stated.
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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has permitted banks to trade with foreign currencies deposited under the amnesty initiative for the foreign exchange (FX) deposit window.
CBN gave the directive in a document dated November 5, signed by John Sonojah, its acting director, financial policy and regulation department and Adetona Adedeji, its acting director, banking supervision department.
On October 31, the federal government launched the ‘Disclosure Scheme,’ an amnesty initiative for the foreign exchange deposit window.
According to the ministry of finance, the scheme would span nine months and is designed to enhance transparency in the financial sector and boost Nigeria’s economic resilience, growth, and development.
In the document, CBN provided guidelines for the participation of commercial, merchant, and non-interest banks (CMNIBs) in the implementation of the disclosure scheme that allows individuals or businesses to deposit foreign currencies.
The guidelines took effect on November 6.
According to the document titled ‘Guidelines on Implementation of the Foreign Currency Disclosure, Deposit, Repatriation and Investment Scheme, 2024,’ banks are at liberty to trade with the foreign exchange made available by the scheme participants.
“Commercial, merchant, and non-interest banks may trade with any deposited ITFC (Internationally Tradable Foreign Currencies) not immediately invested by a participant, provided that the funds would be made available to the participant when needed,” the document reads.
“Interest payment by CMNIBs on the balance in the designated domiciliary account shall be in line with relevant provisions of the Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria.”
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CMNIBS
CBN highlighted that banks are to open domiciliary accounts designated for the scheme for intending participants and receive and process applications from intending participants in the scheme in accordance with the scheme guidelines.
The banks are also to accept deposits of disclosed internationally tradable foreign currencies (ITFCs) from participants, either directly or from a legal person nominated by the participant.
CBN said other responsibilities include ensuring that ITFCs deposited by a participant are held in the designated domiciliary account and not later than 24 hours from the time the ITFC is deposited, issuing a receipt to the participant, indicating the originating country of the funds, and acknowledge that such funds were received for the scheme.
“Track and report to the Bank, participants’ ITFC investments in permissible investment instruments or permissible investment sectors; ensure that participants comply with the provisions of this guidelines, the principal executive order, scheme guidelines, and other applicable laws relating to the Scheme,” the CBN said.
“Treat with confidentiality, all information received from participants in the Scheme in line with the Nigerian data protection laws and regulations; render returns to the Bank in accordance with section 5.0 of this Guidelines; obtain from the intending participants the information listed in Section 3.1 of this Guidelines.
“Maintain appropriate and comprehensive records of data/information relating to transactions under the Scheme; and perform such other functions as the Bank may direct.”
WITHDRAWAL AT WILL AND CONVERSION AT PREVAILING RATE
According to the CBN, the CMNIBs are not to impose any restriction on the withdrawal from the designated domiciliary account of the participant (individual or business) — except as otherwise provided in the scheme guidelines.
The CMNIBS are also not to restrict the termination of any investment made by the participant in a permissible investment instrument or permissible investment sector with any such ITFC.
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Also, the banks are to permit a participant to, at any time, exchange part or the whole ITFC in their designated domiciliary account for naira at the prevailing exchange rate, provided that such conversions are properly disclosed and reported in the CMNIB’s foreign exchange returns.
In implementing the scheme, CBN added that CMNIBs are required to comply with extant rules and regulations, including anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism/countering proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF) laws and regulations.
[PRESS RELEASE] Deregulation not a license to blend off-spec products, jeopardise national interest, Dangote tells Pinnacle Oil
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Deregulation not a license to blend off-spec products, jeopardise national interest, Dangote tells Pinnacle Oil](/media/k2/items/cache/d4fb69364b8bd55e6ffe2c0a0b684ef0_XS.jpg)
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has advised Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited that deregulation should not be used as a justification for the importation of off-spec petroleum products or the undermining of Nigeria’s national interests.
The refinery made this statement in response to remarks by Robert Dickerman, CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, concerning the importation and blending of petroleum products, which he framed within the context of a "deregulated commodity market." Dangote Petroleum Refinery said that his argument for a deregulated market could not obscure the serious implications of his actions, which, it claimed, not only threatened the integrity of Nigeria’s energy sector but also endangered the welfare of its citizens.
While reiterating its support for deregulation and industrialisation, Dangote emphasised that this support is grounded in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country’s economy and the protection of its people from exploitation. The refinery made it clear that the health and safety of Nigerians should never be compromised in the pursuit of profit.
“The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Company has long been an advocate for deregulation and industrialisation in Nigeria, but our support is rooted in a commitment to the sustainable growth of the country's economy and the protection of its people from any exploitation. Unlike Dickerman’s view, deregulation should not be a licence for the importation and distribution of off-spec products or the subversion of national interests,” it said.
The company also noted that, as an American, Dickerman should be well aware of how his own country protects its industries. It pointed to several recent examples from the United States to underline the point. For instance, U.S. President Joe Biden recently opposed the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel, stressing the importance of maintaining strong American steel companies supported by American workers—an example of protectionism that prioritises national economic interests over short-term profit. Similarly, the U.S. has taken action to restrict the use of Chinese-made cranes in its ports, citing national security concerns. The U.S. has also imposed a 100% tariff on electric vehicles and a 50% duty on medical equipment imported from China, further demonstrating its commitment to safeguarding domestic industries. The United States has also ramped up efforts to boost its own production of computer chips and medical supplies, driven by national security concerns and the need for economic self-sufficiency. Furthermore, during his presidency, George W. Bush used anti-dumping laws to impose tariffs on a range of Chinese goods that were considered to be unfairly priced.
“It is therefore perplexing that Dickerman, with all his experience in the U.S. market, would advocate for the importation and blending of petroleum products to Nigeria under the claim of deregulation and a free market. The fact is that he had deceitfully approached us and pleaded that we extend the pipeline from our refinery to Pinnacle’s tank farms for the purpose of blending our high-quality products with their imported products and selling them to Nigerians. We categorically rejected his request to extend our pipeline to their tank farms for such devious purposes because it would be a betrayal of the Nigerian people’s trust. The health and safety of Nigerians cannot—and should not—be compromised for profit.”
The company also raised concerns over Pinnacle Oil’s decision to lease its tank farms to a company without any retail outlets in Nigeria, questioning the strategic intent behind such actions, particularly given that the farms are located just 500 metres from Dangote’s refinery. It expressed its vigilance regarding the coordinated efforts to undermine the Dangote Refinery, drawing parallels to the fate of refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery called on the government, patriotic Nigerians, and local businesses to remain steadfast in defending the country’s sovereignty and economic independence.
“The choice we face is between fostering industrialisation or allowing Nigeria to remain a dumping ground for inferior products while exporting jobs. For nearly three decades, cartels and their collaborators have sabotaged efforts to develop Nigeria’s refining capacity, keeping the country dependent on imported products. The time has come to end this cycle of exploitation and ensure that Nigeria’s energy sector works for the benefit of its people,” it added.
Reiterating its belief that a strong, self-sufficient energy sector is vital for Nigeria’s economic growth, Dangote affirmed that it will continue to advocate for policies and practices that protect both industries and the well-being of all Nigerians.
The company also expressed its support for healthy competition that drives innovation and quality, and looked forward to the upcoming commissioning of the four state-owned refineries, as promised by the NNPCL.
“At Dangote Petroleum Refinery, we are committed to ensuring that Nigeria becomes self-reliant in petroleum production, and we welcome competition that drives innovation and quality. However, we will never allow the continued importation and blending of petroleum products, nor the deliberate destruction of our national economy. We believe that a strong, self-sufficient energy sector is vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, and we will continue to advocate for policies and practices that protect our industries and the well-being of all Nigerians.”
“We eagerly anticipate the coming on stream of the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries before the end of this year, as promised by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Mele Kyari. This milestone will not only end all baseless rumours of monopoly but also position Nigeria as a refining hub for petroleum products in Africa,” it concluded.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Sanwo-Olu Mourns Chief Of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja](/media/k2/items/cache/389748a7fa635df2c7d3e1be4cf5657a_XS.jpg)
- Commiserates with Tinubu, Nigerian Army, South-West
Lagos State Governor and the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, describing his death as a colossal loss to Nigeria.
The Governor also commiserated with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, Security Chiefs, the Nigerian Army and the entire Nigerians over the death of the Chief of Army Staff.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described Lagbaja, who died on Tuesday night in Lagos following a brief illness at the age of 56, as a dutiful and committed soldier who served Nigeria passionately.
The Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, who also sympathised with the immediate family, friends and associates of the late 23rd Chief of Army Staff.
The Governor praised the late Lt. General Lagbaja’s contributions in Nigeria’s efforts to end the war against insurgency and banditry, noting that the country would miss the rich experience and knowledge of the deceased soldier.
He said, “On behalf of my family, the people, and the government of Lagos State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army on the death of the 23rd Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. I also sympathise with families, friends, and associates of the deceased.
“I am saddened by the death of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. His death was a painful loss to Nigeria. He was a dutiful and committed soldier who served Nigeria passionately with dedication, skill, gallantry, and total commitment. He employed his long years of experience and expertise in the service of our fatherland.
“The late Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja will be sorely missed by the Nigerian Army, especially at this period when the country is intensifying the fight against insurgency and other criminal elements in different parts of the country.
“I pray that God would grant Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja eternal rest and grant the Nigerian army and the entire security chiefs, as well as the families, associates, and colleagues of the deceased, the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable losses.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER - MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
06 NOVEMBER 2024