Despite startling revelations of project duplications in the 2024 budget, the federal ministries of finance and its budget counterparts have kept mum over the allegations.

Indeed, BudgIT Nigeria highlighted projects that are inserted in agencies of government that do not match their areas of focus and competence.

According to BudgIT Nigeria, citing contents of the 2024 budget, the National Assembly allocated N100 million to the Cocoa Research Institute in Ibadan to construct streetlights in Lagos State.

Not only that, the same Institute is also spending N100 million to procure motorcycles in Osun, N100 million on health centre construction in Ondo, and N200 million on classroom renovations in Rivers State.

Meanwhile, the primary function of the Institute is to conduct high-quality research in cocoa, kola, and coffee as well as to provide facilities for teaching and research with the identified agricultural products.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) got N100 million to purchase tricycles, another N100 million to renovate schools yet another N100 million for streetlights, and N100 million for the sinking of boreholes.

NAN also has an allocation of N300 million in its 2024 budget to buy and distribute tricycles (keke) in Abia, renovate schools in Bayelsa, and install streetlights in Rivers.

Again, N80 million was allocated to a Space Agency for pregnancy sensitisation.

As an agency responsible for mechanising Nigeria’s agriculture through innovative research to improve food security, the Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation in Ilorin, Kwara State, was allocated N35 million to construct an office for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Oyo State.

The drama continues with Cocoa Research Institute in Ibadan getting the mandate to construct streetlights worth N100 million in Lagos State.

The mandate of the Institute was extended to cover the supplying of motorcycles with N100 million in Osun State, to spend another N100 million on health centre construction in Ondo, and N200 million on classroom renovations in Rivers.

The mandate of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) is to work towards assisting small and medium-scale enterprises to overcome poor infrastructure in the management of business operations and accessing financial services amongst other tasks.

In the 2024 budget, the agency got N5 billion allocation for the provision of cars for traditional rulers and building boreholes worth two billion naira in Kaduna state.

As expected, outrage has continued to trail the development.

Recall that Senator Abdul Ningi had raised concerns over an alleged budget padding of about N2 trillion. Rather than investigating the allegations, Senator Ningi was slammed with suspension from the law-making chambers.

Speaking on the allusion that allocation is different from actual spending or release of appropriated funds, a public analyst, Oluseun Onigbinde, said the budget is not just a projection but an appropriation act, which gives legal binding to the spending.

“If you want 1000 examples of where an agency without the requisite mandate is delivering a project in a very poor manner, we can as well bring it on. This is a govt that has extended budget implementation to 24 months,” he said.

Allocations of projects to agencies of government that do not have the needed competence in the budget have been a recurring issue in the national budget.

An investment banker, Tolulope Alayande said the latest development is not shocking.

He explained: “This is not shocking, but that it continues to happen year after year is simply disheartening. Perhaps, the government needs to focus on areas like this to plug corruption and resource leakages rather than introduce policies that have impoverished many who do not have access to state funds.”

Although there are arguments about fund allocation, released funds, and funds expended, some experts believe that inserting projects that do not correlate with the focus of agencies is a clever way to misapply funds.

Alayande insisted that the wrong insertion of projects stems from a bad budgetary process and outright corrupt acts.

With low budgetary performance that is below 35 per cent year-on-year, the budgetary process seems to give an impression of big money available to be spent when such funds are an illusion.

By Olasunkanmi Akinlotan


Passengers were thrown into a panic mode on Monday as the windshield of an Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft operated by Air Peace was shattered in Abuja.

As the aircraft landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the windshield reportedly shattered, sparking concerns for passengers and aviation workers who witnessed the development.

Among the passengers onboard was human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore, who was traveling to Abuja.

One of the passengers at the airport who saw the incident, who identified herself simply as Funmi, told our correspondent that it was a scary incident while expressing dissatisfaction with the airline for refusing to explain what exactly happened to the windshield at the spot of the incident.

Attempt to speak with the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Abdullahi Musa, was fruitless as he neither picked up his calls nor responded to text messages sent to him on the matter.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, Bimbo Olajide, noted that the NCAA would be in the best position to respond to the incident.

The NSIB is charged with the duty of promoting transport safety and conducting objective and thorough investigations into transport accidents and incidents in Nigeria, to identify the probable causes.

Olajide said the NSIB is expected to investigate accidents and not incidents of that nature.

“The is classified as an incident and NSIB is expected to investigate accident and serious incident but the development falls in the category of an incident and not serious incident or accident. This falls within the purview of the NCAA.”

When contacted, over the phone, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, promised to speak with his staff and get back to our reporter but never did till press time.

Also asked about what transpired that led to the shattering of the windshield, the Chief Operating Officer of the affected airline, Oluwatoyin Olajide, who angrily responded to our correspondent, claimed that the safety of the flying passengers was not jeopardised.

Olajide who had earlier ignored our correspondent’s call became angry when told that it was gathered that the development caused panic among the flying passengers.

She responded, “What panic for the flying public? Can you verify what you’ve just said? Why are you always very quick to publish negative news about your own?

“Where were you when BA (British Airways) had engine issues and was grounded in Lagos for four days? Why was this not published? This is not a fight but just wondering where you gathered the wrong report from?

“We did not have a shattered screen neither was passenger’s safety jeopardized. What happened is a normal snag and necessary safety measures were implemented. The safety of our equipment and passengers is our top priority.”

Meanwhile, an insider in the airline, who does not want his name in print so as not to violate internal mechanisms, confirmed the development to our correspondent adding that “the aircraft has been temporarily put in service so as not to take any chances. Although, the windshield only cracked and not shattered as claimed.”

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja


Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest person and the President of the Dangote Group, owners of the new 650,000 barrels per day crude oil refinery in Lagos, yesterday argued that the decision by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to reduce its stake in the facility from 20 per cent to 7.2 per cent was a huge mistake.

Speaking during a Bloomberg Television interview in New York, monitored by THISDAY, Dangote further disclosed that although he has two oil blocks which are set to begin production in October, he will likely not invest heavily in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

Besides, the billionaire businessman noted that the NNPC has pledged to supply the refinery 390,000 bpd barrels in October, stressing that the expected settlement of transactions in Naira would reduce pressure on the local currency by as much as 40 per cent.

But on the reduction of its interest in the refinery, the NNPC had defended the decision, stressing that it planned to invest more in cleaner energy sources like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Dangote stated that there was no room for further negotiation on the matter, pointing out that although it was a good deal, the NNPC bungled it.

“We gave them (NNPC) a good deal. We said, okay, fine, we structured an agreement. The first agreement was that they were going to pay us a billion dollars. The deal was about $2.79 billion. And then the balance of the money, $1 billion, which they paid us over a year and a half ago, and then the balance of the money was split into two.

“One portion was that every crude they supply to us, 300,000 barrels per day, we’ll deduct $2 and then up to the time they finish paying that, one third. The other one third will come out of their own profit. So, why NNPC opted out is a little bit confusing.

“They wanted this agreement to be changed where they wanted to pay cash, not in any other way. So, we said, okay, fine. We signed another agreement, you know, cancelling the other one. The new agreement that we signed was for them to pay us after one year, no interest, after one year, they’ll pay us the balance of $1.8 billion.

“The month for them to pay was June. And by June they came back to us and said, no, they’ve changed their minds and they want to remain at 7.2 per cent. So, okay, fine. So, we left it and we own now the rest of the shares, they own 7.2 per cent. And that’s what it is. But I think they made a big mistake.

“But no, there’s no negotiation. The agreement is finished, dead, completed. It’s 7.2 per cent,” he stated.

Dangote stressed that 90 per cent of the world did not really give the refinery the chance to survive, noting that he felt satisfied personally for the progress made so far.

He explained that the company already had loans of about $2.4 billion while the refinery was still trying to get a suitable location because of the complex issues involved, reiterating that everything was built from the scratch.

On recent calls for him to invest in the upstream segment so as not to be held hostage by oil producers, Dangote stated that although he has two oil blocks that will begin production this October, he doesn’t intend to invest heavily in that segment.

“Well, our upstream, you know, is not big. We have two oil blocks which we have and we are starting production this October,” Dangote added.

Dangote affirmed that it remains the sole decision of the federal government to end a decades-long subsidy on fuel, but noted that in the coming days the government will come up with a robust agreement with the refinery on how to move on with product supply, going forward.

“Subsidy is a very sensitive issue. Once you are subsidising something then people will bloat the price and then government will end up paying what they are not supposed to be paying,” the tycoon said. “Removal of subsidy is totally dependent on the government, not on us,” he stressed.

With the recent directive by President Bola Tinubu to NNPC to sell crude oil in naira and for Dangote refinery to sell petrol in the local currency, Dangote stated that the naira will soon begin to stabilise.

“Petroleum products consume about 40 per cent of our foreign exchange,” Dangote said, adding that fuel from his refinery, which started supplying petrol on September 15 to the state-owned oil company for domestic sale, “can actually stabilise the naira.”

According to him, with the commencement of petrol refining in Nigeria, the real consumption of the product, which he characterised as ‘guesswork’ will soon be unravelled.

“We are going to actually put a tracker on them (trucks) to be sure they are going to take the oil within Nigeria. And that, I think, can help the government save quite a lot of money,” he added.

He stated that negotiations were still on with government on pricing, expressing confidence in the ability of the minister of finance and the Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS) boss, Zaach Adedeji to thrash out all pending issues.

He noted that from October the NNPC will supply about 12 million barrels, broken down into 390,000 barrels per day.

“Already we have agreed, like, for example, in October, they (NNPC) are going to give us 12 million barrels, which is averagely about 390,000 barrels a day, which we’ll refine. We’ll sell both gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, and if there’s any excess, we’ll export,” he observed.

Dangote insisted that the recent price announced by the NNPC that it was getting the product from the refinery was wrong.

“It wasn’t really a disagreement, per se. NNPC bought from us this particular one on the 15th of September at the international price, which they also bought over 800,000 metric tons of gasoline, imported.

“So the one that they bought from us actually is cheaper than the one they are importing. And so when they announced our price, the guy (NNPC spokesman), I don’t know whether he was authorised or not, but it wasn’t really the real price.

“ What they have announced, yes, most likely that is what it cost them, including profit, including whatever, but they have never added profit to their cost. But their own imported one is almost, maybe about 15 per cent to 20 per cent more expensive than ours,” he said.

He also insisted that the much publicised ‘raid’ on his office sometime ago was meant to embarrass the company, even though it cooperated with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) all through.

“They visited the office and they didn’t talk to anybody. They did not arrest anybody. They just came and, you know, and left just to register an embarrassment and that’s all,” he stressed.

On his erstwhile plan to buy Arsenal football club, Dangote said that while he was eager at the time , the plan would have delayed the completion of the $20 billion refinery.

“I think that time has passed. That time, Arsenal wasn’t doing well. I think, you know, I don’t have that kind of excess liquidity to go and buy a club for $4 billion, so to speak, and use it as a promotional something. I’d rather do something with the money.

“ I will continue to be the biggest fan of Arsenal. I watch their games every day. Any time that they are playing, I will watch. So I will remain a major supporter of Arsenal, but I don’t think it makes sense today to buy Arsenal.

“Actually, I regret not buying it before, but my money was more needed in completing my project than buying Arsenal. I would have bought it for $2 billion, but I wouldn’t have been able to finish my project,” he said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commenced the process of appointing substantive directors to replace those who were relieved of their appointments, including some who retired about 11 months ago.

An internal advertisement published by the apex bank, a copy of which was sighted by Daily Trust, gave this hint.

In the advertisement, the bank is seeking to fill seven positions namely Director, Corporate Communications Department (CCD); Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department (FPRD); Director, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department (OFISD); Director, Procurement & Support Services Department (PSSD); Director, Banking Services Department (BKSD); Director, Medical Services Department (MSD); and Director, Information Technology Department (ITD).

There are 13 departments, each currently headed by a coordinator, according to information on the CBN’s website as at the time of this report.

According to the conditions specified in the advertisement, the ideal candidate, who must be a confirmed staff of the bank on the grade of deputy director, must have spent at least three years on the grade as at the date of the advertisement.

It further specified that deputy directors who have two years or less to retire are not eligible for consideration, and that each applicant must apply for only one of the positions listed as multiple applications may lead to disqualification.

The bank also noted that applications should be submitted not later than 4pm on Friday, September 27, 2024, to an email address provided; adding that only shortlisted candidates would be contacted.

In March this year, Daily Trust reported that not less than 27 members of staff, most of them directors at the CBN, were affected by the first batch of reorganisation by the financial institution.

Amongst those affected were eight directors, 10 deputy directors, five assistant directors, two principal managers and two senior managers.

So far, the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has relieved 17 directors he inherited, with four others recently retired on attaining the statutory retirement age of 60.

The move, which was described as “Re-Organisation” in the letters to the directors read: “The new strategic direction of the bank has been widely publicised. In line with our new mission and vision, the bank is currently undergoing a significant organisational and human capital restructuring process.”


Fears some acting directors may be sidelined

There are fears that the conditions set by the management of the apex bank for application for the posts declared vacant may have precluded some of those currently acting, referred to as coordinators, from applying for those positions.

A senior management staff of the bank who prefers anonymity said: “As it is, those overseeing these departments will not qualify. Most of those who should qualify were affected alongside the sacked directors.”

The vacancy announcement further specified that a minimum of 20+ years working experience is required, of which at least 12 years are expected to be post-call cognate experience at senior management level.

U.S. District Court Southern District of New York gave Nigerian businessman Louis Emovbira Williams the go-ahead to withdraw $21 million from Nigeria’s bank account with JP Morgan, used to stash funds from crude oil sales to foreign entities.

Justice Liman Lewis, in August, denied Nigeria’s motion to dismiss the complaint filed by Mr Williams, who was scammed over a food importation business deal that cost him millions of dollars in 1986.

Not only was Mr Williams swindled of $6.5 million, he said he was also tortured by the SSS and tried for “economic sabotage” after he returned to Nigeria from the UK to retrieve the funds. He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in 1986 but left prison in 1989, having languished in jail for three years.

He got a presidential pardon from the then military president, Ibrahim Babangida in August 1993 and a “Fidelity Guarantee and Abiding Memorandum of Understanding of Assurance” for him to be paid approximately $6.5 million at 17 per cent compound interest on a rollover basis since 1986 and N5 million including a 25 per cent compound interest.

CBN’s unwillingness to pay the lump sum left the matter unresolved for decades until Nigeria returned to civilian rule and prompted Mr Williams to file a suit at the UK court, where Nigeria was ordered to refund the businessman with compensation.

In 2018, Justice Mary Clare Moulder of the Queen’s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice in UK okayed the seizure of $21,231,960.74 and £19,763.130 from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s account domiciled in JP Morgan.

The defendants include the federal government, the Attorney General of the Federation, CBN, JP Morgan & Co. and other parties who have yet to be named in the suit.

Having obtained a court order authorising him to seize millions of dollars from Nigeria’s account with JP Morgan, the businessman argued his entitlement to the funds before the Supreme Court of the State of New York.

But CBN requested that the suit be transferred from the Supreme Court to a lower court where Nigeria can plead sovereignty.

There, Nigeria argued it had sovereign immunity, which made it impervious to the UK court order in that a sovereign state cannot subject itself to the orders of other nations.

But Mr Liman of the U.S. District Court of New York court dismissed Nigeria’s argument and held that Nigeria had already waived its sovereign immunity per the terms of the Fidelity Guarantee issued to Mr Williams in 1993.

“Therefore for the avoidance of doubt, both the Nigerian State and CBN must be deemed to have waived any immunity from levying of execution on amount kept in the name of CBN or State of Nigeria or any institution of Nigeria (save diplomatic) to the extent to which any amount in [paragraph] (14) above remains unpaid,” stated the 1993 Fidelity Guarantee that the Nigerian government issued to Mr Williams.

“Neither the Nigerian State nor the CBN shall raise or invoke any defences so as to deprive Dr Williams of his monies in [paragraph] (14) above or make it financially onerous and burdensome such as requiring Dr Williams to suffer,” the Guarantee added.

Mr Liman determined that Nigeria could not turn around to contend for sovereign immunity, which had already been waived in the Guarantee.

“Accordingly, the Fidelity Guarantee reflects a waiver of sovereign immunity for any proceeding in any court to recognise and enforce a judgement pertaining to plaintiff’s seized funds,” the U.S. judge stated on August 12.

But the Nigerian government, reluctant to part with its cash asset, already sought to appeal the ruling at the Second Circuit in New York as records have been transmitted to the appellate court where the arguments will again be re-examined and redetermined.

Nigeria has already lost on a similar ground from another court of appeals in the U.S., the one in the District of Columbia in Washington D.C., which ruled in favour of Zhongshan Chinese investors to seize Nigerian assets abroad over a botched free trade zone deal.

The appellate decision in the Chinese case in the District of Columbia Circuit is not binding on the courts under the Second Circuit, where New York falls.

The case adds to the mounting list of litigations that sully Nigeria’s reputation among its international counterparts as courts in France, UK and Canada have similarly given orders green lighting the confiscation of Nigerian assets abroad.

Mr Williams said the funds, when recovered, would be used to improve children’s health and education in Nigeria. (Peoplesgazette)

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the Saturday governorship election in Edo State. According to the Returning Officer who is the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Of Technology, Minna, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his arch rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who secured 247,274 votes.

Daily Trust reports that the APC won in 11 local government areas while the PDP won seven. The APC won the six local governments in Edo North Senatorial District and two out of the five local government in Edo Central Senatorial district. Beyond the loss and victory, this piece focused on some individuals who played key roles in the election and contributed to its outcome.


NYESOM WIKE

At the time APC denied Obaseki returning ticket in the build-up to 2020 Edo election, Nyesom Wike, then governor of Rivers State, and some other PDP gave him a solid backing to secure the party’s ticket. Wike, now Minister of Federal Capital Teritorry (FCT), worked for Obaseki’s victory against APC’s Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the 2020 election.

Not long after his re-election, Obaseki and Wike fell apart. In fact, Obaseki supported former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, against Wike, as the Presidential candidate of PDP in the last election. Wike would later tender apology to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Obaseki’s estranged godfather, to forgive him for “helping Obaseki win re-election.”

The FCT Minister in the build-up to the Saturday’s election stated he would not support the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, having fallen out with Obaseki.

But during an interview, Obaseki said Edo voters do not need Wike’s influence to decide who they would vote for.

He said, “He (Wike) came to get Edo people to vote for me, right? Wow! Edo people are not that dumb. They know who to vote for. They don’t require the services of an outsider to make their decisions. Edo people will make decisions this time because they know what they want.”

At a point, the PDP through its Edo State Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, demanded redeployment of the State REC, Anugbum Onuoha as well the Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Edwin-Iwo, over their alleged ties with Wike.

Aziegbemi said, “We are worried that the election may have been compromised even before it start. This is because we are certain that the officials responsible for conducting a free, fair, and credible election are close associates of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.”

Wike dismissed allegations of him influencing the appointment of his cousin, Onuoha, as the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, warning propagandists that ‘nobody born of a woman’ can intimidate his cousin.


PHILIP SHAIBU

During the rift between Obaseki and Oshiomhole in 2020, Shaibu stood behind Obaseki against Oshiomhole, noting that the former governor was playing godfather when they both never allowed such to happen in Edo. Like Wike, Shaibu was another key factor in securing Obaseki’s reelection. He particularly took the political battle to Oshiomhole’s doorstep, attacking with foul languages at different fora.

However, the table turned as Shaibu, fell out with Obaseki over his governorship ambition. Obaseki didn’t only deny him PDP ticket, he masterminded his impeachment. There was a twist in July as Shaibu was reinstated as the deputy governor by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Following his reinstatement, Shaibu, defected to APC alongside several key PDP legacy coalition members.

Shaibu’s defection to a large extent depleted PDP’s strength going into the Saturday’s election. He described Obaseki’s candidate as an outsider, saying he would rather back APC candidate.

“I will support a homeboy. I came into the contest to be governor of Edo State because I needed governance to return to a homeboy, somebody who understands our plight and somebody who understands what the people are feeling.

“We don’t want an outsider. We have experimented with an outsider and it is not working, so this time, we want a homeboy. We have only two home boys in the major political parties; one is in the Labour Party and one is in the All Progressives Congress,” Shaibu said.


DAN ORBIH

Dan Orbih, former National Vice Chairman, South-South of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and immediate past Edo Chairman of the party, is another political leader, who worked against Ighodalo’s victory.

Orbih, one of the allies of Wike, did not hide his hatred for Obaseki and his anointed candidate. He is the leader of the Legacy Group, comprising leaders of PDP worked for Obaseki’s victory in 2020. The group members were at loggerhead with governor for not fulfilling promises he made to them during the Edo 2020 election.

When Ighodalo emerged party’s candidate, Orbih declared he would not support him. Infact, he rejected PDP’s governorship campaign council’s membership.

The leader of anti-Obaseki’s Legacy Coalition, who hails from Etsako Central Local Government Area in Edo North, said: “Nobody told me of any governorship campaign council membership in Edo PDP. I am not aware of it.

“Some persons, who saw my name on the list, called me. I have not seen the list, and I am not aware of it. I am not party to the composition of the campaign council.”

In June, pro-Obaseki PDP leaders expelled Orbih, from the party, for alleged anti – party.

The party said it has also expelled Shaibu, and Hon. Omorgie Ogbeide Ihama, an immediate past House of Reps member, representing Oredo Federal Constituency.


ANSLEM OJEZUA

Ojezua is another Obaseki’s ally turned political enemy. He was State chairman of the Edo State chapter of APC and led members of executives from state to ward to pitch tenth with the PDP when Obaseki was denied returning ticket in 2020. In leading the party leaders, he cited loss of confidence in the national leadership of the APC and alleged disobedience to the party’s constitution.

The resolution which was signed by 22 members of the Executives of the party led Ojezua and Chairmen of the party across the 18 Local Government Areas of the State, said over 150, 000 supporters of their supporters have concluded plans to defect with them.

However, Ojezua like Shaibu fell out with Obaseki over his governorship ambition on the platform of PDP.

After Obaseki’s man emerged PDP candidate, Ojezua faulted the primary and dragged Ighodalo to court.

Ojezua said he sought redress in court because Obaseki, “played a huge role in ensuring that the primary was not transparent”.

“I am not satisfied with the outcome. From the onset, I have expressed my impression that the process was neither transparent nor was it in obedience to the rules,” Ojezua said.

Early this month, a Court of Appeal, Abuja division, dismissed Ojezua’s suit seeking disqualification of Ighodalo’s candidacy.


KABIRU ADJOTO

He is a former Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly who defected from PDP after falling out with Obaseki. There are allegations that he fell out with Obaseki over his failure to name his deputy after the controversial impeachment of Shaibu.

Obaseki named Marvellous Omobayo as his deputy, a development which reportedly set him up against Adjoto.

At a meeting of the Legacy Group held at Orbih’s country home in Ogbona, Adjoto tackled Obaseki over his failure to manage 2020 electoral victory.

He said that instead of consolidating on the victory recorded in 2020 election by rewarding those who worked for his re-election, Obaseki opted for others in the party who did not work for the party.

“Dan Orbih, we have seen what you saw and we are here to queue behind you anywhere you go, we go. We are waiting for you instruction,” Adjoto said.

With the right interventions by the Federal Government, the pump price of petrol produced by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery may crash below N600/litre, crude oil refiners have said.

The Publicity Secretary of the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria, Eche Idoko, told Sunday PUNCH in an interview that the association still has a strong belief that local refineries like Dangote and others can bring down the cost of petrol.

Idoko said the N898/litre claimed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited as the price it bought petrol from Dangote reflected the rising exchange rate.

He explained that the N898 would drop to N550 if the exchange rate is pegged at N1,000/$ for locally-produced petroleum products.

According to him, the PMS being sold by the Dangote refinery since last week Sunday was produced from imported crude and the ones bought locally in dollars.

“If you remember, we did say that if we begin to refine locally and there is a naira sale, the price of PMS will drop. We still stand strongly by that position. This particular batch of product that is being sold by Dangote, the crude was purchased in June at the international price.

“NNPC supplied 60 per cent of that crude and the remaining percentage was imported by Dangote at the international price. Now, when they refine that product, they have to sell at the international price because they are a business, they have to make money,” he said.

Even at N898, Idoko emphasised that the NNPC is buying at 300 below the usual landing cost of almost N1,200/litre.

“The pricing that you are seeing now is a reflection of what the international price is, less the cost of freighting. If you look at it now, NNPC was buying the product at N300 less; they’re paying N300 more for the product they were importing than what they are buying from Dangote at N889.

“That N300/litre was what I had mentioned before that local refining would take care of, even without any intervention,” he noted.

The CORAN spokesman added that the naira crude sale would automatically free up about 40 per cent of the nation’s foreign exchange which he said had gone into servicing the importation of petroleum products.

“If the financial sector is sincere, we should see an immediate climb by the naira against the dollar. And if the naira climbs against the dollar, without even the government pegging the price of the exchange rate for dollars in the pricing of that group, we will see a reduction in the price automatically,” he stated.

To crash the price of Dangote petrol significantly, Idoko advised the Federal Government committee working on crude sales to local refineries to sell the feedstock in naira at a discount and peg the exchange rate at about N1,000 to a dollar.

“But because we are not completely in touch with what happens in the financial sector, we have said to the government – two things you will do. You will sell in naira at a discount, and then at that discount, you will peg the price at a particular exchange rate to the dollar.

“For instance, you can say, you are using N1,000 as an exchange rate for this dollar deal, for the locally refined petroleum products. And like that, you will see a significant drop in the price,” he stated.

He noted that the special committee had gone back and was still working.

“So, whatever is happening now is outside whatever is being discussed by the government. And there is a whole lot of politics here and there. Some people are afraid that this would make Dangote become a monopoly. Dangote now is a member of our association and will play by the rules of our association. We would also control the chances of monopoly to start with. Then the NMDPRA is there as a major gatekeeper to control any form of monopoly.

“There are two more things I will say, rather than see what is happening as a minus, NNPC should be thanking the local players for coming in to rescue them. The NNPC should see Dangote and the other private players that have come in as a partner and work with them to solve this issue. Let us all work together and not try to gaslight the public against the other person,” he said.

Idoko condemned the imposition of levies and taxes on the PMS price by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority as reflected in the estimated prices released by the NNPC.

“In this price alone, about 25-30 per cent of that money goes to the government in levies. In that breakdown, you see that this money goes to taxes and levies from NMDPRA and other organisations. At a time when Nigerians are groaning, you reconsider these fees. When people’s purchasing power has been enhanced, then you can improve this. It happens all over the world, even in the United States. they give tax cuts every day,” he emphasised.

The refiner spoke further, “As it is right now, this pricing you see is a reflection of what the price will look like if there is no intervention at all, because of how the naira is doing and because of what crude is doing in the international market. But if the government intervenes by way of naira sales and pegging the dollar exchange rate for crude transactions at a reasonably low rate, you will see an improvement. This is different from paying money as a subsidy. You are only just putting mechanisms in place to ensure the product is cheap.”

Going mathematical, he analysed the breakdown of the estimated price released by the NNPC.

According to him, a litre of Dangote PMS is $0.52, which translates to N842.61 when calculated at an exchange rate of N1,637 to a dollar. He said this would have been N520 if the exchange rate was pegged at N1,000 to $1.

“The premium is $0.03, which should be N30 if the exchange rate is N1,000. The two will give you N550/litre as the gantry price. If the government removes levies and taxes, the product will be below N600, especially if the crude is sold at a discount.” he stated.

Asked if he is certain that the government can cap the dollar rate at N1,000, Idoko retorted, “For this intervention, yes. The crude belongs to the people now, and it’s NNPC’s crude. NNPC can give the crude for local refining at $1,000. You refine, the NNPC collects everything and stores it. The NNPC needs a strategic storage arrangement. We have depots in almost all the states in Nigeria. Load those depots with PMS for the rainy day.

“Right now, people don’t have the purchasing power. With the intervention, we can keep the price under N600, maintaining this N1,000 as the dollar benchmark for 36 months, after which we will review and go higher. What you are using to buy these things now are purely internal funds. You are not sourcing for dollars or anything; it’s Nigeria to Nigeria. The crude is your own. The currency you are receiving is your own.”

On Monday, NNPC announced that it would sell the petrol lifted from the Dangote refinery at a price above N1,000/litre in the far north.

Its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed this in a statement titled, ‘NNPC Ltd Releases Estimated Pump Prices of PMS from Dangote Refinery Based on September 2024 Pricing’.

Soneye explained that the price may go for as high as N1,019/litre in Borno State and N999.22 in Abuja, Sokoto, Kano, and others.

In Oyo, Rivers, and other areas in the South, it will be N960/litre. The lowest price, according to an infographic released by the NNPC, is N950 in Lagos and its environs.

Recall that the Dangote Group had disagreed with NNPC last week Sunday on the N898/litre PMS cost announced by NNPC as the price at which Dangote sold the product.

The Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the claim that Dangote refinery sold PMS at N898/litre to the NNPC was misleading and mischievous, saying it was deliberately aimed at undermining the milestone achievement towards addressing energy insufficiency and insecurity, which has bedeviled the economy in the past 50 years.

“We urge Nigerians to disregard this malicious statement and await a formal announcement on the pricing, by the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which will commence on October 1, 2024, bearing in mind that our current stock of crude was procured in dollars,” Chiejina noted.

He added that the PMS was sold to the NNPC in dollars with a lot of savings against what the company had been importing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dM-jUnELdFo

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has been forced out of the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Benin by the DIG Frank Mba.

Obaseki was on the premises early on Sunday morning at some minutes past 2am and was there until he was escorted outside by the police.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that members of the All Progressives Congress, led by Monday Okpebholo’s running mate, Dennis Idahosa, led protesters to demand the exit of Obaseki from the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission at about 3.30am on Sunday.

As he was being escorted out of the premises, mobile policemen deployed to the INEC office shouted at the governor, “Leave, leave.”

Minutes before Obaseki was led outside by Mba flanked by a contingent of policemen, All Progressives Congress National Secretary, Surajudeen Basiru, addressed journalists that the governor had no reason to be on the premises.

Basiru said, “He is not a candidate. He has no reason to be here”, describing the governor’s action as abuse of office.

The governor was said to have gained entrance into the premises of INEC on Aduwawa Road, Benin City, under the cover of the night and headed straight upstairs, sitting close to the Edo REC’s office where the results were being collated before they would be announced.

The protesters at intervals tried to gain entrance into the premises of INEC, but they were prevented from entering even when they repeatedly banged on the gate.

At some point during the drama, the DIG in charge of the election, Frank Mba, came into the premises with his team and headed straight to where Obaseki was sitting.

A petrol station owned by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Pinnacle Oil, has been set ablaze.

The incident occurred at the fuel station located along Agbani Road, directly opposite Roban Stores.

Details of the incident are still sketchy, but sources reveal that hoodlums, whose identities are yet to be known, carried out the arson attack.

As the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd., Governor Mbah has been a known figure in the oil and gas industry.

His company has completed the development of Single Point Monitoring (SPM) and Conventional Buoy Mooring (CBM) facilities in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

This incident raises concerns about the safety and security of businesses and infrastructure in Enugu State. The motives behind the attack are still unclear, and an investigation is likely underway to determine the perpetrators and their intentions.

What was supposed to be a “soft landing” deal for Yahaya Bello, immediate-past governor of Kogi state, to end his protracted face-off with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) went awry at the car park of the anti-graft agency on Wednesday morning.

Usman Ododo, his successor, had negotiated the deal for Bello with some senior officials of the Bola Tinubu administration — under which the former governor would return some state funds traced to him in exchange for a plea bargain, insiders told TheCable.

TheCable could not confirm the full terms of the negotiation, but the anti-graft agency was still expected to charge Bello to court regardless, even if for lesser offences.

Armed with what he thought was a sealed deal, Ododo took Bello from Lokoja, the Kogi state capital where he had been hiding for months, to Abuja on Tuesday, and accompanied him to the EFCC headquarters on Wednesday.

TheCable understands that Ododo used his status as a sitting governor to gain entrance into the EFCC premises without formalities, following which he announced that Bello was there to honour the invitation the commission sent to him after he left office in January 2024.


A SERIES OF DRAMATIC EVENTS

The development was expected to end the saga, which had seen Nigerian authorities issue a Red Notice to Interpol after the former governor was declared wanted.

However, it turned out that Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC chairman, did not appear to be in on the deal.

When Ododo called Michael Nzekwe, chief of staff to the EFCC chairman, on the phone to announce Bello’s arrival, Nzekwe told the governor that his boss was not around, as the commission was not aware they were coming.

Insiders told TheCable that Nzekwe asked them to leave, promising to get back to them as soon as the coast was clear.

By this time, Ohiare Michael, Bello’s aide, had issued a press statement announcing that his principal had “honoured the EFCC invitation”.

Insiders in both camps told TheCable different versions of what happened next.

According to Bello’s associates, the entourage had spent four hours within the EFCC premises before Nzekwe told them to leave and return when the chairman would be in the office.

They contended that the chairman did not need to personally receive Bello as the EFCC has institutional processes to handle those invited for interrogation.

“You declared a man wanted and he voluntarily submitted himself only for you to turn him back,” one of Bello’s associates told TheCable.

“That would suggest that there was something personal about the whole investigation. If you felt too many people came with Bello, all you needed to do was ask for only Bello and his lawyers to be allowed to enter the office.

“The EFCC was not happy he came voluntarily. They would prefer to arrest and handcuff him for a media show. That was why they came back at night to the Kogi governor’s lodge in Asokoro and started shooting. Bello has always believed somebody wants him dead and the shooting confirms his suspicion. They could have killed him.”


‘PROTOCOLS BREACHED’

The version of events from sources at EFCC is however slightly different.

After Bello’s entourage left, EFCC issued a statement clarifying that Bello was not in its custody — with reports curiously emerging online that the former governor was actually arrested the previous night by the commission.

The reports turned out not to be true.

“First, there are processes for taking in suspects and interrogating them. There are established protocols. None of this was followed. What the governor tried to do was employ intimidation by using his immunity status to railroad the EFCC into acting his script,” an insider told TheCable.

“When Ododo saw that we were not falling for it, he started shouting that they would not leave the EFCC premises. Nobody invited Ododo to the EFCC. It was only Bello that was invited. By intimidating our officials, Ododo thought he could have his way. He probably wanted to be in the interrogation room with his benefactor.”

The thinking in EFCC, as insiders told TheCable, was that only Bello and his lawyers should be allowed in to avoid interference by Ododo — and that was why they were asked to leave, although Olukayode was, indeed, not in the office.

They were asked to return with the unspoken instruction that only Bello and his lawyers would gain entrance and they would have to go through the protocol of filling forms and dropping their phones, among others.

TheCable understands that the EFCC hierarchy was also riled by the viral image taken of Ododo and Bello arriving at EFCC headquarters as photography is strictly prohibited within its premises.


WHO FIRED THE FIRST SHOT?

When Olukoyede eventually returned to the office, he asked his chief of staff to invite Bello back to the commission since he appeared to be no longer on the run.

Nzekwe went to the Kogi governor’s lodge late afternoon to deliver his principal’s message.

What happened next is, again, narrated differently by both sides.

On Thursday morning, Bello’s media office said EFCC operatives had come the previous night to forcefully take away the former governor, blocking the road and firing gunshots.

EFCC’s officials said, rather, that it was Ododo’s security team that started firing gunshots into the air on seeing the commission’s vehicle.

“EFCC operatives responded in kind,” an EFCC insider told TheCable.

While the melee ensued, Bello slipped out of the lodge and exited Abuja, leaving the EFCC empty-handed.

Amid the drama, accusations and counter-claims, the big fish that presented himself on a platter to the EFCC early Wednesday morning — and was turned back — has now disappeared into the ocean, temporarily off the hook.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has received a number of requests from different groups across the country, seeking the recall of their representatives in the national and state assemblies.

This is just as the commission released the revised Regulations and Guidelines for the recall of federal and state lawmakers as well as councillors in the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Mr Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC revealed these in a statement on Thursday at the end of the management meeting of the commission.

He said that the decision was taken in addition to reviewing the final preparations for the off-cycle Edo State governorship election on Saturday.

He said that some groups even requested the commission to initiate the process of the recall on their behalf.

“For clarity, the process is initiated by the voters in a constituency. The commission only implements their request in line with Sections 69, 110 and 160 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Sections 2(c) and 113 of the Electoral Act, 2022.

“Accordingly, the commission has reviewed the regulations and guidelines, providing a detailed procedure for recall,” Olumekun said.

He also said that the 10-page document had been uploaded to INEC website and social media platforms for the guidance of prospective petitioners and for public information.

He urged constituents interested in the recall of their elected representatives to be guided by the provisions of the regulations and guidelines in preparing and submitting their petitions to the commission.

By Abdullateef Aliyu


Dangote Group has reacted to the report that it sold premium motor spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) at N898 per litre, describing the report as “misleading and malicious.”

In a statement by its Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, Dangote did not state the specific rate it sold the product to the NNPCL but said it was sold in dollars.

Chief spokesperson of the NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye had told Daily Trust in an interview that it bought a litre from Dangote at N898, debunking an initial claim that it was sold at N760 as reported by another newspaper (not Daily Trust.

“We successfully loaded PMS at the Dangote Refinery today. The claim that we purchased it at N760 per liter is incorrect. For this initial loading, the price from the refinery was N898 per liter,” Soneye had said.

But Dangote in its statement said the N898 claim by Soneye is misleading, disclosing that the Tinubu-appointed committee would announce the price on October 1.

The statement read: “This statement is both misleading and mischievous, deliberately aimed at undermining the milestone achievement recorded today, September 15, 2024, towards addressing energy insufficiency and insecurity, which has bedeviled the economy in the past 50 years.

“We urge Nigerians to disregard this malicious statement and await a formal announcement on the pricing, by the Technical Sub-Committee on Naira-based crude sales to local refineries, appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which will commence on October 1, 2024, bearing in mind that our current stock of crude was procured in dollars.

“It should also be noted that we sold the products to NNPCL in dollars with a lot of savings against what they are currently importing. With this action, there will be petrol in every local government area of the country regardless of their remote nature.

“We assure Nigerians of availability of quality petroleum product and putting an end to the endemic fuel scarcity in the country.”

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently wrote a diplomatic letter to the United Kingdom aviation handlers requesting landing slots for Air Peace, at the UK’s Choice airport in Heathrow. These requests sparked discussions in the industry, OLASUNKANMI AKINLOTAN x-rays the matter

The media has been filled with reports about the protest letter written by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to his British counterpart. The letter was written to lodge a formal complaint about the UK airport authority’s refusal to allow the Nigerian Air Peace to land at Heathrow Airport.

In a letter dated August 1, 2024, and addressed to Louise Haigh, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Keyamo warned that if Air Peace was not allocated a space at London Heathrow, Nigeria would be forced to “reciprocate” by denying British Airways and Virgin Atlantic slots at the Lagos and Abuja airports.

Although Heathrow is the UK’s primary airport, Air Peace currently operates from Gatwick Airport, a secondary airport.

The UK’s Heathrow Airport could be compared to Nigeria’s Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, and Gatwick Airport, UK, may be likened to the Enugu International Airport.

Efforts by Air Peace to get a slot at Heathrow, which is closer to the heart of London, have been unsuccessful, PUNCH has learnt.

Meanwhile, Nigeria and the United Kingdom are both parties to a bilateral aviation safety agreement, an agreement that provides for Civil Aviation Certifications to be shared between the two countries.

This agreement is called the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement.

A BASA sets out obligations and methods for cooperation between the authorities to avoid unnecessary duplication of evaluation, and to facilitate the certification of aeronautical products by the civil aviation authorities.

A BASA, therefore, supports trade in aircraft and related products, while ensuring the highest levels of aviation safety.

This agreement also allows airport managers to provide equal landing privileges to aircraft from member countries in their domain.

Meanwhile, some industry stakeholders were of the view that the Nigeria-UK BASA agreement promoted designated city destinations rather than specific airports.

The stakeholder said Heathrow cannot be explicitly mentioned in the agreement as it falls outside the purview of the Department of Transport and given the UK government’s lack of involvement in airport slot allocation.

They advised Air Peace to address the issue independently and not escalate it.

Meanwhile, the diplomatic dispute between the two countries took another dimension when Airport Coordination Limited, the independent authority responsible for slot allocation in the UK, disclosed that Air Peace missed two critical deadlines while requesting landing slots.

The company claimed that Air Peace failed to submit its slot requests on time for the Northern Summer 2024 and Northern Winter 2024 scheduling seasons.

The missed deadlines, as disclosed by the slot allocator, have added a new layer of complexity to the situation, raising genuine concerns over the airline’s ability to gain a foothold at one of the world’s busiest airports.

A top officer in the airline, who preferred not to be mentioned considering the current diplomatic nature of the matter, told our correspondent that the airline was not happy with the refusal by the UK authority to allow Air Peace aircraft to land at Heathrow airport.

He noted that the airline would not want to dabble into the matter, adding, “It is important to note that we have done due diligence in ensuring that we get a slot, but they were claiming the crowd was too much for them. Only for us to now start hearing that they claimed that we did not apply for two seasons. The same you that initially claimed no slots were owing to the crowd?

“Just like I said earlier, we have done due diligence and we will continue to do what is right. We pray that God backs the minister to help us get the desired slots from them.”

However, the Nigerian government has continued to allow UK flag bearers to land in Nigeria’s primary airports even while aviation authorities in the UK remained adamant on the matter.

In reaction to the development, Keyamo, through his letter, expressed displeasure over the development.

The diplomatic correspondence, which was leaked to the media, reads partly saying, “The consistent denial of slot” by the UK slot office to Air Peace on the Nigeria-London route to fly into Heathrow, its first choice, since it began operations in the UK in March 2024.

“The airline had made consistent efforts in the past to fly into Heathrow Airport from Lagos but was denied, and only approved to fly into Gatwick Airport from Lagos.

“Following the approval granted the airline by the Nigerian government to fly the Abuja-London route, the airline approached the slot office for slot allocation at the London Heathrow Airport, for flight operations planned to commence in November 2024, during the IATA Winter Season. It is highly disheartening that up till this moment, the airline has not received any favourable response from the slot office.”

He reminded the UK that both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic were operating into Nigeria’s primary airports in Lagos and Abuja without encumbrances placed in their ways.

British Airways has been flying into Lagos since 1936.

“Therefore, it is necessary for Nigerian designated carriers to enjoy similar reciprocity that British carriers are enjoying. It is highly unfair on the side of the British authorities and a discredit to the Nigerian authorities and the Nigerian nation as a whole, for slot allocation to Nigerian carriers to be an issue at all times. We feel betrayed by the British authorities for not reciprocating the good gesture of the Nigerian State and its people,” Keyamo wrote.

The minister told the UK airport authority not to allow the slot allocation issue to be an alibi to deny the existence of a bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, whose hallmark was based on the principle of reciprocity.

Following the minister’s threat, a junior staff member of Air Peace, who did not want to be mentioned because he was not in a capacity to speak for the company told our correspondent, “Obviously, the management is concerned by this development between the UK and Nigerian governments, but we are only taking solace in the possibility that the matter may be resolved before the deadline given.”

Also, when contacted, British Airways’ Regional Country Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, Adetutu Otuyalu, who was initially responding to chats from our correspondent, suddenly went mute after the question was posed to her.

Reactions

The President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria, Dr Kingsley Nwokoma, backed Keyamo, saying if UK airlines could enjoy Nigeria’s best airports, such privilege should also be reciprocated.

He also called for more diplomacy in resolving the matter.

His words, “If they are enjoying our best airport, since we do not have a national carrier, our current national flag carrier should be allowed to fly to their own best airports too.

“This is not rocket science. Both Nigeria and the UK are parties to BASA. So, why shouldn’t our flag carrier be allowed to land at their best airport?

“This once happened between Air Peace and the UAE and the Nigerian government sat with them and things were resolved so, I want to advise that the same tactics be employed to resolve this matter.”

Also, a commercial pilot with over 30 years of experience, Captain John Okakpu, lauded the minister’s decision to shut the landing space against both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic pending the provision of landing rights to Air Peace.

He recalled that the former military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, once shut airlines from the UK when they once disallowed the defunct Nigeria Airways from landing in the UK’s A’ class airport.

“If they refused to allow Air Peace to land in Heathrow, the minister should also banish the airlines to maybe Enugu or even Ibadan.

“Abacha stopped them from coming to our country at a time. They should also feel what we are feeling. Why should they have 21 frequencies to Nigeria and the less than seven we have, they won’t still allow us to complete it even as Nigeria’s flag carrier? At least Arik is not as sophisticated as Air Peace and they go to Heathrow. What is the meaning of all these?

“Can you imagine what Nigerians go through when their cargoes get to Gatwick? They always have to transport it to Heathrow after paying so much for airlifting from their primary destination, which cannot continue. When passengers are going to the U.S. from Nigeria, they will be taken to Gatwick and then transported back to Heathrow before getting their connecting flight to the U.S. So why should Nigerians go through this unnecessary pain and extra spending?” he quizzed.


Ranking

Although Heathrow is now ranked 12th in the global ranking, slipping from its position at 8th in 2023, a survey by aviation analyst Cirium, which calculated the number of airports each hub served between January and June 2024, showed.

It comes despite the west London airport handling more passengers than any of its European competitors and offering over 4.5 million seats this month, according to OAG Aviation.

It was ranked the world’s fifth busiest airport last year.

Its ranking as best-connected has improved considerably in recent years, as pre-pandemic records revealed the west London hub stood in 18th position, according to the Independent.

In the first half of 2024, it served 221 locations, while London Gatwick Airport served 218 and has been positioned 14th.

It trails Heathrow by two spots despite serving half of the passengers Heathrow does.

In the list whittled down from airports worldwide, Istanbul emerged on top with some 309 destinations on offer. Most are on Turkish Airlines, the carrier with the most extensive route network in the world.

It is followed by Istanbul Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol, with 296, 282 and 270 locations on their departure screens, respectively.

The only other European airport in the top 10 and 10th position is Rome Fiumicino, with 234 locations.

Meanwhile, Chicago O’Hare is the top non-European airport listed, serving 270 airports next to Dubai International, which serves 269 airports.

Dallas-Fort Worth, Shanghai Pudong and Atlanta occupy seventh, eighth and ninth place in the table, respectively.

A 65 litres water capacity cylinder of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which cost N3,500 to fill, will take a car from Abuja to Kaduna, a distance of about 191km, an expert has said.

Mr Mas’ud Yau’, an Engineer and Manager of ABG Conversion Centre, Dawaki, one of the Federal Government’s accredited CNG conversion centres in the Federal Capital Territory, disclosed this to newsmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Ya’u spoke when the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGi) undertook an inspection tour and distribution of CNG conversion kits to six centres in Abuja.

In an interview with newsmen after the inspection of his centre, Ya’u said: “CNG is safe, as the gas tank is fire and bullet proofed and the thickness of the tank is between 15mm and 20mm.

“65 litres water capacity of CNG will cover 170km to 200km distance, which means it can conveniently take you from Abuja to Kaduna.

“To fill CNG of 65 litres water capacity will cost N3,500,” he said.

NAN reports that the driving distance between Abuja and Kaduna is 191km, and it takes approximately two hours 30 minutes.

A car using petrol, will use approximately 20 litres of pms to cover the same distance, costing N17,940 at N897 official pump price in FCT.

Ya’u said CNG also improved engine performance and extends its longevity.

According to the Engineer, before conversion, if it takes three months to service a car, after conversion it will extend to five months before servicing without affecting the oil viscosity.

Ya’u said the CNG conversion process is a division of labour and they usually convert about four cars in a day at the centre.

“The process involves installation of the kits in the engine with gas cylinders in the trunk of the vehicle.

“We also conduct detailed inspection to determine if the car is standard enough for conversion,” he said.

At Mijo Gas Auto, another conversion centre in FCT, the head of the centre, Mr Gaurav Goyal, described CNG as very safe and clean.
“We want every Nigerian to go green. CNG is a good initiative for bringing down the price of PMS, with a spiral effect of reduction in prices of foods, commodities and other items,” he said.

Petroleum products marketers have declared that there was never a boycott of Dangote Refinery’s Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, (petrol).

However, Olufemi Adewole, Executive Secretary, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, DAPPMAN, told Vanguard, there was a need to get the modalities right.

Adewole said: “The sector needs to operate transparently in a manner that allows all stakeholders to thrive and contribute significantly to the quest of ensuring availability, reliability and accessibility of petroleum products nationwide.”

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Federal Government disclosed that the supply of petrol from Dangote Refinery will commence tomorrow after both parties reached an agreement on pricing and supply.

Speaking in Abuja, a member of the Presidential Committee on the Sale of Crude Oil and Refined Products, and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji said NNPC will remain as the sole off-taker of petrol from the refinery with other marketers getting the product from the national oil company.

In return, he added, NNPC Limited would commence the supply of 385,000 barrels of crude oil to Dangote Refinery on October 1, 2024.

‘There was no boycott’

On the issue of petrol, Adewole, the Executive Secretary of DAPPMAN, said the alleged boycott of Dangote Refinery’s petrol was incorrect.

He explained that petroleum marketers were still awaiting clearance from the government on the modalities regarding the offtake of petrol from the refinery.

Adewole said: “DAPPMAN, as evidenced by patronage of various products from the Dangote Refinery by its members, believes firmly in meeting Nigeria’s energy needs.

“And (DAPPMAN) remains aligned to calls for the nation not to end up in a monopoly, which will only jeopardize our economic growth and development.”

“Offtake will, in keeping with the laws of demand and supply, gravitate towards sources where products can be bought at a lower price, better quality and seamless accessibility,” he stated.

He reassured Nigerians that DAPPMAN would continue to work towards giving the nation top-notch fuel solutions while securing the sustainability of the sector.

How Niger Republic-Born Bandit Terrorising Nigerians Fell Into Military Ambush

More facts have emerged on the killing of notorious bandit kingpin, Halilu Sububu alias Buzu, who terrorised residents of Zamfara and neighbouring states before he was sent to his grave.

Daily Trust had reported how Buzu and his fighters were shot dead in a gun battle with troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, on Thursday.

According to multiple sources, Buzu and his fighters were killed in an ambush at Kwaren-Kirya, a village situated along Mayanchi-Anka road in Zamfara State.

A source in Mayanchi village confirmed that several bandits were killed by the troops during the encounter along Mayanchi-Mafara road.

“We learnt that the bandits were about to cross a stream when the troops, who laid ambush, descended on them and killed Sububu and his foot soldiers.

“We learnt that only three motorbikes of the bandits escaped the ambush during the encounter. The troops have recovered the weapons and motorbikes of the bandits.

“As I am talking to you, our people are jubilating in Mayanchi and the neighboring villages. We are more than happy today. We sincerely commend the Nigerian troops and we hope they will sustain the tempo until they capture or kill Turji and the rest of the bandits. We are tired of this banditry.”


Who was Buzu?

Buzu, who was from Niger Republic, resided in a forest in Zamfara, and often escaped to his country after operating in Nigeria.

He was said to have owned a thriving illegal gold mining site in Bagega and other communities around Sumke forest in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara.

He had a camp on the western side of Bagega and controlled communities and all mining sites in the area.

He was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in May.

He had been terrorizing several communities in Zamfara such as Maradun, Faru, Kaura Namoda, Dubuwa, Gidan Gogi and Bakura, among other communities.

Aminu Shehu, another resident, urged the Nigerian troops to double their efforts in the ongoing fight against banditry in North West.

He said, “We have confidence in the Nigerian Army and if the necessary support is given to them, they will surely crush all the bandits in the region within no time.

“The troops have now sent a signal to Turji and other bandits’ leaders in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger and Kaduna states. I hope the federal government will continue to support the troop in the ongoing fight against banditry in the affected states.”


How we got him – Military

Meanwhile, the military has released a statement on how Buhu met his waterloo.

According to a statement signed by Group Captain Kabiru Ali, Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, the operation was part of an ongoing effort by NAF and ground forces to exploit intelligence and secure the area following contact with hostile elements.

“NAF Special Forces of Operation HADARIN DAJI in company of other ground troops initiated a follow-up exploitation mission after troops encountered terrorists in the vicinity of Mayanchi. During the mission, it was confirmed that 38 terrorists had been neutralized, with 4 bodies retrieved for verification.”

“In addition to the elimination of the terrorists, a significant cache of weapons was recovered, including 2 Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, 1 RPG bomb, 3 PKT machine guns, 5 AK-47 rifles, 29 magazines, and over 1,000 rounds of ammunition of varying calibers.

“This operation underscores the effectiveness and professionalism of the NAF Special Forces in leading critical missions in conjunction with other services aimed at neutralizing threats and maintaining national security,” the statement read.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of four substantive commissioners of police for Lagos, Abia, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom commands.

In a statement on Friday, Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesperson, said the appointment is due to the vacancies created by promotion of some senior officers.

The new commissioners of police are
Isah Danladi Nda, for Abia command; Olarewaju Ishola Olawale for Lagos command; Anthonia Adaku Uche Anya fror Ebonyi command and Miller Gajere Dantawaye for Akwa Ibom command

Speaking on the posting, Hashimu Argungu, PSC chair, urged the new police commissioners to make positive impacts in the security management of their respective states.

Argungu asked the new commissioners to build efficient and effective police commands in their states.

The PSC spokesperson disclosed that the approval has been sent to Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, for implementation.

By this development, Dantawaye will replace Waheed Ayilara, the former commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom state, who died on August 29, 2024.

Ayilara reportedly died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) from prostate cancer complications.

The minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeruka Onyejeocha on Friday, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was equally affected by the recent increase in petroleum products.

In a bid to calm the uproar that greeted her comment, Onyejeocha argued that President Tinubu was not only human, but he was also facing some logistic challenges as a result of scarce petroleum resources and financial constraints.

Speaking at a Town Hall engagement with organised labour and employers on “Imperatives of the Eight Point Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ‘s Administration,” in Abuja, the minister added that Tinubu was aware of the hardship in the country.

She said: ”The President is aware of the hardship that the increase in petrol pump price has melted to Nigerians in the last few days.

“It has brought hardship even to himself. The President is a human being. Let me tell you how it affects him; when he comes out there are no vehicles and sometimes they don’t get enough money to buy fuel. It affects everyone to be honest.

“So I plead with all of us to show more understanding and know that when one is down everybody is down. There is nobody that is affected and that is why we should all put our hands and our heads, everything together under one roof to find a way forward that will bring in meaningful result to the nation. I pray you show more understanding.”

Onyejeocha who stressed that the federal government would not take responsibility for the delay in payment of the new minimum wage as a result of failure of labour to finalise on the consequential adjustment, however said there was hope as separate meetings were ongoing by government and the tripartite committee.

“As we speak there’s a meeting on government side this morning on the new minimum wage and consequential adjustment and by 2pm, the tripartite are meeting with the Head of Service. Once they get what we are supposed to pay they will start paying.

“We will not be take responsibility why the figures has to delay because at the day we pass it, they suppose to have gone ahead constitute the committee then have a figure, because it doesn’t take rocket science to have figures of what we should really give So I believe that that one is something that will soon as possible.”

Speaking further, the minister noted that in an effort to achieve the administration’s mantra Renewed Hope Agenda Unity and Progress for all Nigerians, the ministry was saddled with the task of ensuring decent work in all sectors of the economy; and maintaining industrial peace and harmony in workplaces across the nation which is a prerequisite for national growth and development to ensure the success of at least 6 out of the 8 points in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“I therefore make no excuses as this Government of APC is determined and committed to tackling headlong all socio-economic ills that have troubled our nation and we shall by the grace of God Almighty evolve solutions to emerging threats to our well-being as a nation.

“Recognizing this, the Federal Government has sought and continues to seek to collaborate with policy makers, in this case both employers and workers representatives who make development possible by generating and sustaining the momentum so that we together we can attain enviable heights of progress in our beloved country.”

The CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, noted that the decision to remove the fuel subsidy was necessary for the nation’s growth and development.

Represented by Omolola Adegbenga, he urged Nigerians to show more understanding with the current administration, bearing in mind that things would get better in the nearest future.

“These decisions are important for the progress of our country. The decision by President Tinubu has had severe effect, challenges but at the end of every storm there shall be calm and I believe there will be calm for Nigerians. It’s not a coincidence that the theme of Mr President’s administration is Renewed Hope.

“CBN is committed to supporting president Tinubu in achieving the 8 point agenda.

“Every activity of CBN is committed to Nigeria’s growth. While we may be facing challenges, I believe with every organ contributing it’s quota, we shall be able to achieve those goals.”

By Francis Ugwu


Financial analyst, Tosin Adeoti has accused Aliko Dangote, the Group Chairman of Dangote Refinery, of playing emotional blackmail.

The statement comes after Dangote Refinery said that it will be forced to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) because of low patronage by marketers in Nigeria.

According to the Vice President, Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Edwin Devakumar, the only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers were willing to buy its petrol.

However, the financial expert alleged Aliko’s strategy has been to cry to Nigerians about some cabals sabotaging his Dangote Refinery so that bans can be enacted just like with his other products.

Adeoti said he should tell Nigerians the price of his Dangote Refinery’s petrol so that marketers can compare it with imported fuel which stands at the landing cost of N1,117/litre.

In a post on his Facebook page on Friday, the financial expert suggested that marketers won’t refuse to buy from Dangote Refinery when it’s selling a cheaper product, adding that it doesn’t makes business sense.

The post read: “Alhaji is playing this emotional blackmail thing and Nigerians are just swallowing it.

“These marketers have written to the president that they have lots of old stock that they bought at higher prices they need to import and sell. So, they ask why they are been forced to exclusively buy from Dangote.

“If you’re selling a cheaper product that makes business sense, how will marketers refuse to buy from you?

“Landing cost of imported fuel is N1117/litre. Let Dangote tell us his own price of petrol and let’s compare. What is he afraid of?

“And even if they refuse, for whatever reason, why not open your own stations, or go into partnership with major petrol stations and sell to the people directly?

“Importation is the only competition Dangote has to improve efficiency.

“But no, the one and only strategy is to cry to Nigerians about some cabals sabotaging the refinery so that bans can be enacted like we have with his other products.

“Nigerians will kuku believe anything if you couch it in patriotic terms even if it’s not in their best interests.”

BY Aderonke Oni


The Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs) in Ghana is projecting a marginal reduction in petrol and diesel prices starting from September 16 — if the cedi remains stable against the US dollar.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on September 5, Riverson Oppong, chief executive of the AOMCs, said the recent stability in key factors influencing petrol prices could lead to a price drop at the pumps.

“All the variables that influence prices of petroleum products have been fairly stable over the past week and if that is sustained going forward, then there should be a reduction in prices at the pumps,” Oppong said.

TheCable checks show that the price of a litre of petrol is between GH¢13.63 (N1,472.31) and GH¢14.35 (N1,550.08) depending on the company, while the price of diesel ranges between GH¢13.99 (N1,511.19) and GH¢14.60 (N1,577.1).

According to the Bank of Ghana, the exchange rate of the cedi is N108.02 against the naira as of September 11.

Oppong said the cedi’s performance will be a crucial factor in determining the price review by the oil marketing companies.

The chief executive dismissed criticism that OMCs are slow to adjust prices when the market conditions favour a reduction.

“There is always a reason why the OMCs delay in reviewing prices at the pumps, and that has nothing to do with the arguments that they want to shortchange consumers,” he added.

He said the association is actively working to address recent consumer complaints about service quality.

Oppong also said the group has launched its own initiative to ensure that members adhere to the highest standards for storing products at service stations.

This initiative, he said, could significantly help address the issue and reduce consumer complaints.

“Our sector can be described as the most regulated in the industry. We are regulated by the National Petroleum Authority, and Ghana Standards Authority. You shouldn’t see some of these product quality issues coming up that often,” he said.

“Looking at the progress that we have made when it comes to developing the sector, we should not be having these kinds of challenges.”

In August, the OMCs reduced the pump prices of both petrol and diesel.

While Ghanaians are looking forward to energy cost reduction, a similar development desired by their Nigerian counterparts may be a pie in the sky.

On September 2, The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited increased the price of petrol across its retail outlets to N855 per litre — up from N600.

The national oil firm said the increase — which had elicited criticisms and triggered a surge in transport costs — was due to the deregulation of the petroleum industry, allowing pump prices to be ‘determined by market forces’.

BudgIT, the civic-tech non-profit organisation, says the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo, got N250 million for solar street lights in some areas of Lagos in the 2024 budget.

In a post on social media on Tuesday, BudgIT raised concerns over the institute’s plans to fund unrelated projects like solar street lights, a health centre and motorcycles in Lagos, Ondo, Rivers and Osun.

“The same Institute is spending N100 million on motorcycles in Osun, N100 million on health centre construction in Ondo, and N200 million on classroom renovations in Rivers. These types of insertions should have no place in the #2025Budget,” BudgIT said.

In a breakdown of the institute’s budget expenditure, BudgIT said the Cocoa research institute plans to embark on the following unrelated capital projects:

1. Training and empowerment of unemployed youths and women in Ipele, Ifon, Upenmen community in Ondo state — N148.7 million.

2. Construction of Ukparama comprehensive health centre Bolowou in Ilaje/Ese-Edo federal constituency, Ondo — N100 million.

3. Provision of empowerment materials for women and youths in Ikwerre/Emohua federal constituency, Rivers state — N100 million.

4. Women and youth empowerment in Kano south senatorial district — N200 million.

5. Construction and renovation of selected classrooms in Khana/Gokana federal constituency, Rivers state — N200 million.

6. Provision of empowerment materials, motorcycles, fridges, barbering kits, hair dryers and generators to Obokun/Oriade federal constituency, Osun state – N100 million.

7. Supply and installation of solar street lights in Odi-olowo/Ojuwoye communities in Mushin 1 federal constituency — N100 million.

8. Solar power street light from Adekunle Banjo to Kasumu street Shangisha in Kosofe federal constituency, Lagos state — N50 million.

9. Completion of 100 seater bed primary health centre in Emmanuel primary school ground, Ojota in kosofe federal constituency — N50 million.

10. Provision and installation of solar street lights in Festac town of Amuwo-Odofin federal constituency — N100 million.

Other unrelated projects by the cocoa research institute can be found here.

On March 10, Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi Central, alleged that the 2024 budget was padded with N3 trillion in the national assembly.

Ningi, the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, said “huge damage” has been done to the north and the entire country in the budget.

However, two days later, Ningi was suspended for three months over the claim and was recalled on May 28.

A 55-year-old woman, identified only as Ifeoma, reportedly died shortly after collapsing while sharing a testimony at the Ministry Church in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State.

PUNCH Online learnt that the incident, which occurred around 8:48 am during Sunday service on September 8, 2024, ultimately led to her death a few minutes later.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to PUNCH Online on Wednesday.

The 55-year-old woman had allegedly gone to the front of the church, singing songs of gratitude as she prepared to give her testimony when she suddenly collapsed.

Hundeyin said that the 55-year-old was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

He stated, “The Zonal accountant of the church in Ejigbo came to the station and reported that during testimony hour in the church, while the service was on, Ifeoma came out singing songs to give her testimony when she suddenly slumped.

“She was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital but was referred to the General Hospital in Isolo, where she was confirmed dead.

“Based on the report, detectives were detailed to visit the hospital with the complainant. On getting there, they were told that the husband and family of the deceased had taken the corpse to Anambra State, where she came from for burial.”]

Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams , has voiced out his frustration with President Bola Tinubu, saying the President has disappointed many Nigerians who brought him to power.

He criticized the President’s handling of the petroleum sector especially the recent hike in price of premium motor spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol, saying the situation is worsening the hardship in the land.

He asked the president to reverse what he called, “the ugly trend,” saying the time is going.

In an open letter to Tinubu, Adams said, “When you came with the ‘Emilokan’ coinage in the build up to the 2023 elections, many Nigerians were persuaded that as a democrat exposed to modern way of governance, you will perform better than Muhammadu Buhari, a soldier who deepened the poverty levels of Nigerians and increased insecurity from 2015 to 2023.

“Today, events have proved that they were wrong. Mr. President, to say the truth without minding whose ox is gored, you have really disappointed many Nigerians who thought you were the messiah they were waiting for.”

He said the increase in price of fuel which was less than N200 when the President took over, now selling over N1000 has shown that the administration is insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

“Obviously, your administration is becoming indifferent, insensitive and unresponsive to the plights of millions of Nigerians who can no longer meet their daily needs. This is a brutal assault on the sensibility of Nigerians.

“I think you and your party should be sensitive to the plights of Nigerians. Mr. President, don’t you think the wicked and draconian increase in fuel price, especially, at this time that Nigerians have been pushed to the wall, is a huge recipe for crisis? Nigerians can no longer bear this economic hardship any longer.

“I am writing this letter to you because of the pressure I am going through from millions of Nigerians, who erroneously, believe that I don’t want to tell you the truth because the two of us are eminent Yoruba citizens.

The truth is that the perverted, opaque, unintelligible, wicked and corrupt handling of the petroleum sector and continuous increase of fuel price under your administration (with the NNPC threatening us the price will still go up) without due regard to the laws of the land and wellbeing of Nigerians is akin to telling Nigerians to go to hell.

“Mr. President, if a few of your advisers are telling you that all is well, I can confidently inform you that they are your enemies.”

He said the economic situation has worsened with the increase in fuel price and the rise in foreign exchange.

“Today, it (fuel) is more than N1000. As the Minister of Petroleum, I ask you, what type of reforms is this?
In May 2023, Naira to a Dollar was less than N740. Today, it is more than N1,600.

“Now, your two right-hand men when you were Governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, Wale Edun (Finance Minister) and Yemi Cardoso (CBN Governor) are in charge of the economy.

“What exactly are the fiscal, economic and financial briefings they give you daily to convince you that they know what they are doing in those two offices? When Buhari left on May 29, 2023, many Nigerians heaved a sigh of relief that insecurity would soon become history.

“Pitiably today, from the North to the South, East to the West, the rate at which Nigerians are being abducted and some killed, even after ransom was paid, it was as if these blood-thirsty maniacs have just been unleashed on Nigerians from the hottest part of hell.”

The Yoruba generallisimo likened the President’s administration to the Adolf Hitler’s dictatorial era in Nazi Germany, saying, “In just 16 months into your administration, your campaign promises have suddenly become failed promises?

“Your Excellency, do you remember an Austrian-German who became the Commander-in-Chief in Germany in 1933? Adolf Hitler was an Austrian-born German politician who was the dictator of Nazi Germany from 1933 until his suicide in 1945?

“Hitler, an elected democrat, quickly transformed a democratic republic into a constitutional dictatorship.

“The Fuhrer vowed to destroy democracy through the democratic process. And he did with the destruction of Germany in 1945.

“Before the destruction, the Nazi leader disabled, then dismantled the Weimar Republic. The Fuhrer crushed political opposition, destroyed the economy and ultimately undermined Germany’s democratic structures.

“When Hitler became history on April 30, 1945, Germany was in total ruins. But due to the determination of Germans, today, that country has the biggest economy in Europe.

“I hope I am wrong but I see a linkage between what happened during the ascendancy of Hitler into power and what is happening in Nigeria today.”

Nume Ekeghe


The federal government of Nigeria spent a total of $2.78 billion on debt servicing in the first seven months of 2024, data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed.

These figures were disclosed in the CBN’s recent ‘International Payments Data’ report, which also showed that Nigeria recorded $1.18 billion in total direct remittances from January to July 2024.

Analysis of the CBN data showed that in January, the government allocated $560.52 million to debt servicing, setting the tone for the year. This was followed by a reduction in February, where $283.22 million was spent, marking a 49.5 per cent decrease from January’s expenditure. March saw a slight decline, with $276.17 million allocated to debt servicing, representing a 2.5 per cent decrease from February. The trend of decreasing expenditures continued in April where $215.20 million was spent, reflecting a 22.1 per cent reduction compared to March.

In May, there was a sharp reversal of this downward trend, with debt servicing costs soaring to $854.37 million. This marked a significant 297 per cent increase from April’s expenditure, making May the month with the highest debt servicing outlay during this period. However, June experienced a dramatic drop in spending, with only $50.82 million allocated to debt servicing, a 94 per cent decrease from May. This was the lowest monthly expenditure recorded in the seven-month span. The spending picked up again in July, with $542.50 million spent on debt servicing, marking a substantial 967 per cent increase from June’s low point.

Also, a month-by-month analysis on the total direct remittances showed varying levels of remittance inflows throughout the seven months showed that A breakdown showed that in January, Nigeria received $138.56 million in direct remittances. However, February saw a sharp decline, with inflows dropping to $39.15 million, a 71.7 per cent decrease from January’s figure. March witnessed a rebound, with remittances increasing to $104.91 million, marking a 168 per cent rise from February.

The upward trend continued in April, where $193.31 million was received, a significant 84.3 per cent increase from March. The month of May saw the highest remittance inflow during this period, with $365.44 million recorded. This represents an 89 per cent increase from April, highlighting a strong surge in remittances, potentially driven by improved global economic conditions or favorable exchange rates. In June, however, remittances declined to $270.52 million, a 26 per cent decrease from May’s peak. Despite this drop, June’s inflow remained robust compared to earlier months. The downward trend continued into July, where remittances further decreased to $72.29 million, marking a 73.3 per cent decline from June.

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja


The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has warned the general public against patrionising drinking water, soap, perfumed and other products being produced by Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, CMDM, saying the products are fake.

Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, is the founder and head prophet of the ministry with headquarters in Effurun, Delta State.

There have been controversies over the products, tagged: “Miracle Water and Miracle Soap, Father Smelled Perfume among others, following allegation by a social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse,AKA VeryDarkMan that the products have no approval by NAFDAF.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, the agency confirmed that both the Miracle Water and the Miracle Soap and the perfume being produced by the ministry were fake and warned the public against patrionising them.

The statement signed by NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye,reads in part:” The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) wishes to alert the public on the activities of a faith-based organization – Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries – that uses NAFDAC’s name to deceive unsuspecting public.

“Recently, NAFDAC have been inundated with petitions from concerned citizens about Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto of Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, KM 5 Effurun, Sapele Road, Delta State on a Miracle Water and Miracle Soap being advertised with healing and miracle claims and sold to unsuspecting members of the public by the Spiritual Ministry.

“The Minister showcased the use of Miracle Water and Miracle Soap on social media to heal barrenness. He claimed that the women would carry twins if they used the soap. He openly told his congregation that the Soap is NAFDAC registered. Thus, the public began to visit the office to confirm the claims.”

According to NAFDAF, “The petitioners also submitted the following products from the Spiritual Ministry to NAFDAC to verify the bogus claims. The products are: Miracle & Healing Water; River Jordan Water; The Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida; A new beginning Mount Camel Miracle Water; Water of life; Miracle Water from The Pool of Bethsaida (1L);A New Beginning Pool of Bethsaida Water and Father Smelled Perfume.”

The statement explained that, “Upon receipt of the petitions, NAFDAC, through the Director Post Marketing Surveillance (PMS) NAFDAC, contacted the Delta State Coordinator to ascertain the existence or records of any transaction with the Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministries and the products in Delta State Office. “

It further reads: “The Coordinator was also directed to visit the Ministry to establish the veracity of the claims in the petitions and take necessary regulatory action on the production facility in the Ministry where the Miracle water and other products are produced. The State Coordinator covertly bought the Miracle Water (25cl) for 3000 naira from the Ministries and took the pictures.

“On Wednesday 14th August 2024, the State Coordinator Delta State visited the Mercy Land Ministry and met the Head of Service (HOS) – Mr. Ogunleye Fufeyin and the Chief Security Officer (CSO). The officials denied producing Miracle and Healing Water or Soap even with the evidence of the receipt of purchase. He claimed that only the Logo and address on the label were theirs but not the product. The HOS added that they only have a pool of Bethsaida water which is spiritual and artificial. The HOS requested time to meet with other staff and returned. He returned after 30 minutes and refused to cooperate, asking them to see the CSO.

“On 27th August 2024, a team of Investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC and Federal Task Force on Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods visited the Ministry, to commence investigation on the place of purchase or the manufacturing site for possible sample collection, for laboratory analysis, but the officials did not cooperate with the team. Letters of invitation was issued to the officials to report on 28th August, but it was not honoured. The company instead submitted a Legal document at NAFDAC Headquarters Abuja on 28th August 2024 and asked to come back on the 3rd September 2024 to organise their document before coming.

“The Agency then gave the Prophet till 29th to report at investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC Office Asaba for further necessary investigation.

“Investigation and Enforcement Asaba waited for the Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries officials based on their earlier request to report for commencement of investigation, but they still refused to show up. On 3rd September 2024, they forwarded some documents instead asking for more time to report.

“In a document, made available to NAFDAC Office in the evening of 3rd September, the faith organization claimed to have entered into a production contract agreement with Globod Table Water Km 4, DSC Expressway, Otokutu, Delta State without the knowledge of NAFDAC State Office in Delta State. This act is illegal according to the extant rules and regulations on commercial production.

“In continuation of our investigation NAFDAC Investigation and Enforcement has sealed Globod Table Water factory for aiding and abetting the production, sale and advertisement of unregistered and unwholesome Miracle Water under the pretext of Fake NAFDAC Registration Number.

“At this point, it is very clear that Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries, KM 5, is not ready to present itself for investigation of production and advertisement of suspected falsified, unwholesome, and unregistered “Miracle” products.

“NAFDAC wishes to inform the public that none of these products being advertised and sold are registered with NAFDAC. The public is also being advised to stop patronizing any of these Miracle products. NAFDAC is scientific organization that is guided by verifiable scientific facts before registering any product.

“In the meantime, we will continue with our investigation into the activities of this faith organization with regards to products within our mandates that have been reported to be manufactured and sold by them. I want to use this opportunity to warn either faith organizations against illegal production of regulated product without requisite regulatory requirements.

“I want to assure Nigerians of our resolve to continue safeguarding health of the citizens.”

By Taiwo George


A crowd of at least 10 aides trickled into the office of President Bola Tinubu to congratulate him over his victory at the Supreme Court, on October 26, 2023. As they danced and cheered, the president who was seated calmly watched in silence. When it was time to speak, Nigeria’s number one citizen said, “Ajuri, your job is secure.”

The presidential spokesperson bowed, smiled sheepishly as he dropped a document in front of his principal. Tinubu perused it briefly, signed, then went on to acknowledge the remarks of the crowd in front of him.

But on Saturday, Chief Ajuri Ngelale announced that he was quitting the job alongside the ones he secured after July 31, 2023, when he was named Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity. Tinubu had also appointed Ngelale Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Femi Adesina, Ngelale’s predecessor as official spokesperson of the President, spent eight full years in office. Reuben Abati, who occupied that position before Adesina spent four years in office, hence some persons were surprised over why Ngelale stepped aside in a little over a year.

In his announcement, Ngelale predicated his indefinite leave of absence on “medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family”.

Given what Abati wrote shortly after the ocean of change swept Jonathan out of power, one could easily conclude that Ngelale was in the thick of his own battle.

In a piece entitled, ‘The Spiritual Side of Aso Rock,’ Abati narrated some mysterious happenings in the seat of power.

“I have heard people insist that there is some form of witchcraft at work in the country’s seat of government. I am ordinarily not a superstitious person, but working in the Villa, I eventually became convinced that there must be something supernatural about power and closeness to it. I’ll start with a personal testimony.”

“I was given an apartment to live in inside the Villa. It was furnished and equipped. But when my son, Michael arrived, one of my brothers came with a pastor who was supposed to stay in the apartment. But the man refused claiming that the Villa was full of evil spirits and that there would soon be a fire accident in the apartment. He complained about too much human sacrifice around the Villa and advised that my family must never sleep overnight inside the Villa.

“I thought the man was talking nonsense and he wanted the luxury of a hotel accommodation. But he turned out to be right. The day I hosted family friends in that apartment and they slept overnight, there was indeed a fire accident. The guests escaped and they were so thankful.

“Not long after, the President’s physician living two compounds away had a fire accident in his home. He and his children could have died. He escaped with bruises. Around the Villa while I was there, someone always died or their relations died.

“I can confirm that every principal officer suffered one tragedy or the other; it was as if you needed to sacrifice something to remain on duty inside that environment. Even some of the women became merchants of Love Machine because they had suffered a special kind of death in their homes (I am sorry to reveal this) and many of the men complained about something that had died below their waists too. The ones who did not have such misfortune had one ailment or the other that they had to nurse. From cancer to brain and prostate surgery and whatever, the Villa was a hospital full of agonizing patients.”

Abati’s narrative makes it easy to assume that a similar fate has befallen Ngelale. However, this piece focuses on some of the controversies that dogged Ngelale at Nigeria’s seat of power.


UAE VISA BAN

In October 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) imposed a visa ban on Nigerians after a diplomatic row. The ban had a huge effect on Nigerians who frequent UAE on business and holiday trips.

Months after Tinubu assumed office, he embarked on a trip to the UAE for bilateral discussions with President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

After the meeting, Ngelale, who was in Tinubu’s delegation, issued a statement saying UAE had lifted the visa ban and resumption of flights between both countries would commence immediately.

“Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria without any further delay… As negotiated between the two heads of state, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government,” he had said in his statement.

The UAE subsequently issued a statement on the meeting but made no mention of lifting the ban, subjecting the Nigerian government to ridicule.


FIRST AFRICAN LEADER TO RING BELL AT NASDQ?

Another controversy of Ngelale had to do with an erroneous claim in a State House press release. In a statement he issued on September 21, 2023, Ngelale said Tinubu was the first African leader to ring the closing bell at the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) in the US. visit.

“In honour of President Bola Tinubu’s determined global push to aggressively attract foreign direct investment into Nigeria, the world’s second largest stock exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (NASDAQ), on Wednesday in the world’s financial capital, invited President Tinubu to ring the closing bell, making him the first African President to ever receive the honour,” he erroneously claimed.

The backlash which trailed this was alarming, as Nigerians, particularly on social media, factchecked the Presidency, in what could go as the first embarrassment of that sort.

Amid the barrage of criticisms, the Presidency acknowledged the mistake, admitting that previous African leaders, including Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania, had rung the NASDAQ bell before Tinubu.

Weighing in on the gaffe, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) queried the qualification and competence of Ngelale to speak for President Tinubu.

The NIPR said Ngelale was ordinarily not ‘fit’ to hold the exalted position because he lacked the basic knowledge and requisite training on public relations.

Dr. Ike Neliaku, NIPR President, said while Ngelale’s journalism pedigree, antecedents and credentials were not in doubt, he was legally not qualified for the job of Presidential spokesperson.


LOCKING HORNS WITH ONANUGA

On the eve of Tinubu’s first year in office, his spokesmen sparked confusion through a statement and counter statement on a particular event.

Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, had announced that Tinubu would address a joint session of the National Assembly as part of the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The National Assembly Clerk, Sani Magaji, also confirmed the report. In a swift reaction, Ngelale refuted this, describing the information as “false and unauthorized”.

“In view of public commentary concerning the President delivering a speech before a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly tomorrow, May 29, 2024, it is important to state that this information is false and unauthorized as the Office of the President was not involved in the planning of the event,” he had said in a statement.

Few days later, Ngelale granted an interview where he addressed the seeming rift with his “elder colleague”.

“I have been really saddened by some of the commentary attempting to create confusion and division within the office of the president, in respect to my humble self and a very respected elder colleague, Bayo Onanuga. I want to be very clear that when I was somewhere in primary school, Onanuga was risking his life on the streets of Lagos against murderous oppressors.

“He was defending the rights of Nigerians to be able to vote for their leaders. Anybody trying to create the impression that I see myself as on par or level with somebody of the stature of Onanuga should stop the conversation. [Onanuga is] somebody I revere a lot. He is somebody that I respect to the utmost.”


NOT A JOURNALIST’S DELIGHT

Although he did media rounds and appeared on a few television programmes, Ngelale was not many journalists’ delight in terms of giving reactions whether through messages or calls. Many have complained that silence was his trademark in this regard.

Onanuga, Tope Ajayi, Tunde Rahman, at one time or the other gave official reactions, but Ngelale was obviously missing in that regard. Some key statements were also issued late, at times when newspapers had gone to bed.

However, Ngelale held his office well as he signed off important statements. Unlike the Buhari days when Garba Shehu and Adesina took turns to issue key statements, Ngelale took full control. He also claimed to have made record of the presidential spokesperson who issued the most statement in a single day.

“As @ last count, the SA on Media released 14 statements today, with 11 made up of different appointments by the President. We are done for today. We have broken the State House record for statements issued in a single day,” he posted on Social Media.

However, what Ngelale had working for him in terms of issuing statements, he lacked in some other critical aspects. The job of a presidential spokesman is certainly beyond announcing political appointments. Ngelale hardly commented on public policies. He didn’t use widely available media channels to articulate the plans of this government, hence there was a huge communication gap. In the 13 months he held sway, it was difficult to find any analysis of government policies written by him in any newspaper. His predecessor not only had such vital contents published at home, but equally abroad. This strategic concept was conspicuously missing under his watch.


THE FORCES WITHIN

Neglale was one of those below 40 who worked under Tinubu. Given how our society is structured, it is ordinarily difficult for a young person to call the shot in a key office. As a media owner, Tinubu has access to the big names in the media cycle. Ordinarily, one would think a known name would have been given that position but the lot fell on Ngelale’s lap.

However, insiders said he was on collision course with many of his colleagues while the job lasted. Aside from the first year anniversary eve public spat, there were other tense moments with Onanuga. Although he started working in the Nigerian setting in 2011, Ngelale’s American background stuck with him, according to an insider. Perhaps he was being professional, but many passed it off as arrogance indirectly diminishing his worth.
Ngelale reportedly spent the last days in office moving from one nation to the other in his capacity as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action. Probably to show he was working, Ngelale shared pictures and comments about his activities but some persons used that as a weapon against him, making it seem that he was not available to be the voice of the government.


Ngelale on one of his trips abroad

A source said Ngelale had moved to reduce the number of persons travelling to foreign summits such as Climate Change Conference. Last year, Nigeria had one of the highest delegations to Dubai for CoP 28. This had sparked negative reactions from Nigerians, who accused the government of waste in a time of economic hardship.
Ngelale’s move to cut down on the number of those attending such conferences was heavily resisted by those who submitted different petitions on his perceived weaknesses, especially on his frequent global trips.

Aside from this, some presidential sources had said he would not last on the job as there were plans to bring in a more experienced person. The message sent to the former Presidential spokesperson to react to this piece was not replied. This time around Ngelale can be excused as he said in his last statement that he needed privacy and as Shehu Sani, a former senator and social critic said, “Ajuri can now rest well, switch off his cell phone and regain some weight.”


WHO IS AJURI NGELALE?

Ngelale was born in Platteville, Wisconsin, United States, on November 13, 1986. He schooled in America until 2011 when he returned to Nigeria for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He started journalism career as a youth corps member at Africa Independent Television (AIT). After completing his national service, he was retained by AIT as an investigative reporter and later served as a news editor, producer and presenter.

At AIT, he produced two critically acclaimed public affairs documentary series State of the Nation (2012) and Diary from the Delta (2016). He left AIT in 2016 and joined Channels Television where he served as a co-anchor of popular breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily. In partnership with the United States Government’s Mandela Washington Fellowship, Ngelale also produced and presented Africa’s Future Leaders which documented young African leaders uplifting disadvantaged population through their individual efforts.

In 2019, he resigned from Channels TV to become lead media content producer for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Next Level Presidential Campaign for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari under Buhari/Osinbajo presidential Campaign organization. Following their victory at the poll in 2019, President Buhari appointed Ngelale as his Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs but he was seconded to the office of ex-Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.

In October 2022, Ngelale was appointed co-principal spokesperson of Tinubu-Shettima Presidential campaign Organization. On 31 July 2023, president Bola Tinubu appointed Ngelale his official spokesperson.

On 19 May 2024, Tinubu appointed him as the first Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action for Nigeria. He was also appointed as the Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, Nigeria’s first green industrial zone and as Secretary of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions.

Party leaders, activists and civil society organisations (CSOs) have picked up the gauntlet in Plateau and Cross River states to demand the replacement of two ministers from the states that resigned/ suspended from their offices.

At different fora, the stakeholders asked President Bola Tinubu to appoint a replacement for Senator Simon Lalong, who resigned from the cabinet as minister of labour and employment to return to the Senate, and Betta Edu, who was suspended as minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation over the alleged diversion of over N585 million ($640,000; £500,000) of public money into a personal bank account.

In Plateau State, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nde Jonathan Ishaku, resigned from the party, citing the state’s exclusion from Tinubu’s cabinet for his action.

Ishaku announced the decision in a letter titled “Letter of Resignation” dated September 6, 2024, addressed to the Gwamlar Unit chairman in Shiwer-Seri Federal Ward (and Shiwer State Ward) in the Kanke local government area.

In Cross River State, the actors differ on the fate of Edu. While some wanted her recalled, others kicked, insisting that the report on her probe was not ready.

In the letter, which was made available to LEADERSHIP Sunday in Jos, the state capital, Ishaku said, “I am particularly disappointed that eight months after Senator Simon Lalong resigned from the Federal Executive Council (EXCO) to assume his mandate as a senator, the ministerial slot for Plateau State has been left indefinitely vacant.”

The veteran journalist and essayist argued that “this is contrary to the Constitution of Nigeria 147(3), which stipulates that there must be at least one cabinet member from each of the 36 states in Nigeria.” He asserted that the current administration operates without the participation of Plateau State.

“By extension, it means as a party member, I do not count in the government and I can no longer continue to live the illusion. In my opinion, this is a slight on the people and members of the party in the state,” he said.

Similarly, Lalong, a former governor of the state who now represents Plateau South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has called for the appointment of a minister from the state to fill the gap his exit created in FEC.

At the APC stakeholders’ meeting at the party’s secretariat, Kalwa House Jos, Lalong lamented that denying the state its constitutional ministerial slot for eight months was unfair.

He said, “It is not fair that Plateau State remained for eight months without a minister. I said that and communicated to Mr President that it is not fair.”

Also, the chairman of the APC in the state, Hon Rufus Bature, who addressed the supporters at the meeting, said, “Let me, for the umpteenth time, reiterate our call for the appointment of a minister from Plateau State.”

In the same vein, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the 2023 general elections in Plateau State, Prof Patrick Dakum, called on President Tinubu to appoint a minister from the state for equity and justice.

Dakum who made the call during a chat with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Jos, lamented that the president’s delay in appointing a new minister to fill in the gap created by Lalong’s exit was a disservice to the Plateau people that must be remedied immediately.

According to him, it’s unfair to deny Plateau’s participation in the Federal Executive Council for over eight months.

Also, the APC Like-Minds urged Tinubu to appoint a minister from the state to represent them.

The group’s leader, Hon Isa Maimadara, in a press statement issued in Jos, said the void had left Plateau without a representation in the Federal Executive Council despite the state’s contribution to the president’s electoral victory.

On its part, the Coalition of Indigenous Youth Nationalities in Plateau State demanded for a replacement for Lalong.

The group’s leader, Comrade Paul Dekete, made the call at a press conference in Jos.

According to him, Plateau not having a minister in FEC was a disservice to the good of the state.

In Cross River State, the executive director of Africa Dignity Foundation/chairman of Cross River State Civil Society Network, Benedict Usang called for the reinstatement of Edu.

Usang said Edu was among the APC faithful who worked assiduously towards the emergence of President Tinubu.

He said, “The federal government should immediately reinstate Edu. President Tinubu should make the decision to fill that vacuum. He should be firm in making a decision to reinstate Edu since she had been the second minister flying the flag of Cross River State at the national level.

“Three months is enough for the federal government to make a decision whether to drop Edu and replace her with another Cross Riverian or take her to another ministry if need be.

“In my estimation, Betta Edu worked so hard risking her life for the party during electioneering that ushered in the president,” he said.

But human rights lawyer, anti-corruption crusader and former special assistant to former President Muhammadu Buhari on prosecution, Chief Obono Obla, said the suspension of Betta was not strange.

He said that in line with the public service rule, once an official is suspended based on any allegations levelled against him or her, the official must wait until he or she is cleared of such allegations.

“She was suspended pending investigation, which is the normal thing to be done administratively,” he said.

Obla stated that when a public officer is accused of wrongdoing, the officer would be placed on suspension pending the outcome of the investigation.

He urged those in support of the former minister to wait for the outcome of the investigation.

The announcement of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on being unable to sustain fuel supply is a game plan, according to experts.

On Sunday, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, admitted that the national oil company is owing suppliers, but did not specify the exact amount.

“NNPC Ltd has acknowledged recent reports in national newspapers regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers. This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the Company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply,” Soneye said in a statement.

Experts have, however, suggested that the announcement is part of a game plan from the government, which may lead to 950/1,000 per litre price for petrol.

They alleged that government officials had been pushing this narrative in the last two weeks.

The Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, had, on Monday, asked the NNPCL to halt the sale of fuel below landing costs, arguing that this would help curb smuggling to neighbouring countries.

The Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) recently disclosed that the landing cost of petrol as of July, 2024, was N1,117 per litre.

It also revealed the landing costs of AGO (Diesel) at N1,157 for a 20KT vessel and ATK at N1,217 for a 15KT vessel landing in Apapa, Lagos.

An independent oil marketer, who preferred anonymity, said: “It was almost inevitable for the pump price to not rise, as this is one of the outcomes of a fully deregulated market.

“The NNPCL remains the main importer, with private importation remaining limited. This situation is worsened by Nigeria’s declining crude oil output, which impacts the country’s capacity to import refined products. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has noted the dwindling output of many nations, including Nigeria”, the marketer said.

A former chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Ejigbo Depot in Lagos, Mr Akin Akinade recently said: “Our members have no direct supply from NNPC. We buy from Third Party. We buy at DAPMAN Depot in Abule Ado.

“They sell to us N840, N850, and by the time you add transportation to that, there is no way our members would sell less than they are selling. If they bring down their price, we are also going to bring down our price. We are in business to make money”, he said.

In a chat with Daily Trust, Chief Executive Officer, 11 Plc (formerly Mobil Nigeria), Tunji Oyebanji said: “Selling below the cost, whether from import or local refineries, is not sustainable. If they sell at economic price, perhaps others can import, supply will improve, and the financial strain will not be on them alone. It’s either that or these supply disruptions will continue indefinitely. I am baffled why they have not been upfront about this since instead of denials.”

Personnel from agencies under the Presidency have expressed concerns about the oversight visits being undertaken by the Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

In separate interviews with Daily Trust, they argued that such an oversight is traditionally the responsibility of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the National Assembly.

On August 22, Gbajabiamila began the “fact-finding exercises and familiarisation tours”, which have seen him conduct on-the-site assessments of key agencies under the Presidency.

The agencies he has so far visited include the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

Others are the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).

Daily Trust reliably gathered that prior to the Chief of Staff’s visits, heads of the agencies had been summoned to a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the State House on July 30, where they were briefed on what to expect during these visits.

The chief executives of the agencies were said to have been told that the visits were part of a broader initiative to ensure the agencies adhere strictly to the established regulations and guidelines, including the Public Service Rules (PSR), which govern employments, promotions, and other administrative guidelines.

They were, according to sources, also cautioned against carrying out employments without securing “appropriate waivers”, and that when such waivers were obtained, the recruitment process must not jeopardise the career progression of existing officers.

They were also said to have been instructed that all promotions, conversions, upgrading, and discipline matters for 2024 must be concluded not later than the end of this month.

Additionally, they were directed to strictly adhere to procurement regulations and thresholds to avoid any infractions and the attendant consequences.

The CEOs were also directed to ensure their agencies’ activities comply with all relevant laws and regulations, particularly in the areas of financial management, procurement and human resources.

Ahead of Gbajabiamila’s visits, they had been asked to prepare a 15-minute presentation each, outlining their respective agencies’ mandates, achievements, challenges and future plans.

The presentations were being followed by interactive sessions with their management staff, during which the Chief of Staff asked questions and sought clarifications on various issues of interest.

The CEOs were also required to provide copies of their agencies’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), organograms (including names and contact details of key officers), up-to-date nominal rolls, soft and hard copies of their presentations, and their Establishment Acts.

Critics have argued that such oversight functions are for the Office of the SGF, not the Chief of Staff, expressing concerns that Gbajabiamila may be overstepping his role and encroaching on the responsibilities of other offices. They express fears that this might lead to infighting between the two offices to the detriment of the nation.

Sources said the agencies might be stripped of their powers to carry out employments and promotions, as well as faithfully implement their project plans.

A senior official in the Office of the SGF, who spoke to Daily Trust on the condition of anonymity, said Gbajabiamila’s visits could undermine the authority of the SGF and other senior government officials.

“These visits are unprecedented and could set a dangerous precedent. The Chief of Staff is a political appointee, and his role should be limited to coordinating the activities of the presidency, not taking on oversight functions that are traditionally the responsibility of the SGF or the National Assembly,” the official said.

Senior civil servants divided

However, some senior staff in the Office of the SGF, expressed divergent views on the issue.

While some of them faulted Gbajabiamila’s oversight visits, others said there was no issue.

According to a director, so long as there are no illegalities or infractions of existing rules, there is nothing wrong with the Chief of Staff’s oversight visits.

“He is a political appointee, and he couldn’t have undertaken such visits without the president’s mandate,” the director said.

But another director in the administrative department of one of the agencies, viewed the Chief of Staff’s oversight visits as inappropriate, saying, “I see this as meddlesomeness. There are established channels for the oversight of agencies, and for a political appointee like the Chief of Staff to assume such responsibilities is not in good taste. His role should be strictly about coordinating staff within the Presidency and acting as a clearing house, not taking on supervisory duties over civil servants.”

Also speaking to Daily Trust, a senior civil servant in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, who pleaded anonymity said: “As an internal review, the oversight by the Chief of Staff to the President is okay. However, the most appropriate field oversight is usually done by an external body, which, under normal circumstances, is the National Assembly.

“But we know that there may be more than meet the eye about this particular oversight visits by the Chief of Staff to the President”, the senior official said.

Another civil servant said Gbajabiamila’s visits could create confusion and overlap in responsibilities, leading to potential conflicts between different branches of government.

“It is important to maintain clear lines of authority and responsibility within the government. When multiple officials start taking on roles that are not within their mandates, it can lead to confusion and inefficiency,” the civil servant said.

A retired director, who served in the Offices of the SGF and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), expressed a similar view.

He said there is nothing inherently wrong in the Chief of Staff’s oversight visits if it benefits the service, but asked the government to always communicate clearly to the public in order to avoid misunderstanding.


CoS’ visits not against our mandate – Reps

When contacted, Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, said the oversight visits by the Chief of Staff are not in conflict with the mandate of lawmakers.

According to him, the legislature encourages close supervisory checks and monitoring of agencies to ensure things are done correctly.

“What the Right Honourable Chief of Staff to Mr. President is doing is not in any way in conflict with our mandate as a parliament. On our part, we encourage routine supervisory checks by members of the executive in their duties over agencies and departments that are directly under their control.

“Those visits are valuable because they provide firsthand information about the state of these agencies, which is often lacking. Our Right Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, being a product of the parliament, has demonstrated that institutional memory is crucial for the transformation of this country,” he said.

Agbese also said that the Chief of Staff’s visits could help bridge gaps in communication between the executive and legislature.

“By conducting these visits, the Chief of Staff is ensuring that the executive branch is fully informed about the activities and challenges of the agencies under its control. This can only be beneficial for the overall governance of the country,” he added.


CSOs seek scrutiny of CoS’ action

In an interview with Daily Trust, Dr. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, said while there is nothing wrong with government officials working towards good governance, Gbajabiamila’s actions require careful scrutiny.

“The Chief of Staff is a personal appointee of the president and lacks the constitutional authority to carry out the functions of other government officials, even when he has the president’s mandate,” Itodo said.

He cautioned that such actions could set a bad precedent and create friction between government organs.

Tunde Salman, the team lead of the Good Governance Team (GGT) Nigeria, expressed a different view, saying that: “The Chief of Staff would not have undertaken these visits without the president’s mandate. Perhaps, the president wants to gain a better understanding of these offices. There is nothing wrong if it is done to improve governance,” Salman said, drawing a parallel to former U.S. President Barack Obama’s townhall meetings aimed at increasing transparency in government.

Salman further noted that the Chief of Staff’s visits could be seen as an attempt to streamline the operations of the presidency and ensure that agencies are working effectively and efficiently.

“If these visits lead to better coordination and improved performance of the agencies, then they should be welcomed. However, it is important to ensure that such actions do not undermine the authority of other officials or create unnecessary conflicts within the government,” he said.


Presidency, SGF’s Office silent

When contacted for comments, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy and the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Bayo Ononuga and Tope Ajayi respectively, neither answered calls to their mobile telephone lines nor replied to text and WhatsApp messages sent to them by one of our correspondents.

Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information in the Office of the SGF, declined comment on the issue.

Bandits led by kingpin Bello Turji gained access to a military Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in Zamfara State after a tactical retreat by troops, according to new information.

In an amateur video on social media, Turji and his followers can be seen celebrating the possession of the APC and the acquisition of a cache of ammunition.

Quoting local security officials in the North-Western state, PRNigeria said the terrorists did not forcefully seize the Nigerian Army vehicle as widely reported.

“Sources said the personnel and equipment transporter got stuck in a swampy area as soldiers responded to a distress signal from a community in Zurmi local government area.”

“They added that the troops, who were forced to abandon the carrier APC, which was their protection, turned back to their base for reinforcement as well as a heavy-duty tow vehicle.

“The Nigerian military was alerted by a distress call about a reconciliatory meeting between the Baleri banditry gang and some Zamfara locals in the Zurmi axis.

“The meeting was to resolve the differences between the locals and the bandits, similar to the same truce working in the Shinkafi area where there is relative peaceful coexistence.

“But by the time the Baleri boys arrived at the venue, they were attacked by another group also invited to the meeting. It was in the process that troops swung into action.

“Unfortunately, the APC became stuck in a marshy area. They had to retreat to their base to bring a tow truck. So, the APC was not captured by terrorists.

The vehicle after noticing troops had withdrawn. It would be foolhardy to remain in a stranded vehicle. Adversaries could easily launch a deadly ambush,” PR Nigeria said.

Meanwhile, a circulating video alleging the mass murder of more than 150 kidnapped persons in Sokoto State has been debunked as fake news.

The video, capturing gunfire and scenes of dead bodies, suggests bandits executed the victims after the government refused to provide a N200 billion ransom and 250 motorbikes.

Checks showed that the footage already posted and shared various times originated from Burkina Faso, where a jihadist group linked to Al Qaeda killed over 400 civilians.

Reverse image search results included an August 31, 2024 tweet by a foreign news platform that featured the same imagery but claimed the massacre took place in Sudan.

BY Ayodele Oluwafemi


Outrage has trailed the comment of Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, that Betsy, wife of Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, “has no child”.

On Thursday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state flagged off its governorship campaign for Esan south-east LGA at Ubiaja township stadium.

During the campaign, Betsy introduced Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, wife of Asue Ighodalo, PDP governorship candidate, to the crowd present at the event.

Betsy claimed that Ighodalo was the only governorship candidate in the September 21 election with a wife.

The first lady urged women to vote for a candidate who has a wife, adding that it would translate to women’s empowerment.

“Let’s campaign and vote for the best candidate in this forthcoming election. I want to introduce his wife. Incidentally, out of all the candidates contesting this election, only one has a wife,” Betsy said.

“That is our own party candidate — Asue Ighodalo. This is his wife, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo.”

Reacting in an interview with journalists, Oshiomhole said he was shocked to hear Betsy say Monday Okpebholo, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has no wife.

The former Edo governor claimed that Betsy and his husband have no child and did not adopt.

“I was shocked yesterday to see Mrs Obaseki, the first lady, saying our candidate has no wife. I’m sorry she had to say that because here is a woman who has no child. Between him (sic) and Obaseki, they are childless. They are not even ready to adopt,” Oshiomhole said.

“I don’t blame anybody who doesn’t have a child but people who have love for children go to a motherless home and adopt. They have not adopted. They are both in their sixties.

“Our candidate not only has children, he has invested in the education of those children, such that the first one who spoke (at a campaign rally) is a lawyer, and the second is a medical doctor. They addressed the crowd in Edo south, Edo central and north, and their mother was there.”

Oshiomhole’s comment against Betsy has elicited reactions on X .