₦airaland Forum

celestineteryim:
all this eyes service just to pleases his zombies and useless supporters

blamingthedevil:
President Bola Tinubu is set to be remembered as Nigeria's greatest President, not merely due to his past roles as a pro-democracy activist or his transformative governance of Lagos State, but because of his extraordinary accomplishments within a short time as the leader of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the most populous black nation on earth.

From his first day in office, he exhibited bold leadership by removing the fuel subsidy that had burdened the nation for over five decades, subsequently deregulating the foreign exchange market, and partially removing the subsidy on electricity. He also introduced consumer credit systems, ensured local government autonomy through the Supreme Court, and provided free fertilizers to farmers, greatly boosting agricultural productivity. His administration has achieved a stable power supply, increased the minimum wage, and seen a significant 70% rise in government revenue.

Tinubu’s infrastructure initiatives are noteworthy. Over 330 roads have been completed, along with the Port Harcourt-Aba Railway, while the Sokoto-Badagry Highway and Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway are well underway. In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), infrastructure renewal projects, including the Third Mainland Bridge and the Abuja-Keffi-Makurdi Expressway, are either completed or progressing. The administration also introduced the "Renewed Hope" housing initiative in all 36 states and undertook significant healthcare infrastructure projects like the new hospital in Aba. Additionally, the ongoing Kaduna-Kano Railway and the completed Onitsha-Enugu Expressway are part of his extensive infrastructure agenda.

One of Tinubu's most impactful social initiatives is the Student Loan Scheme, which relieves parents and guardians of the financial burden of paying school fees while providing an annual upkeep allowance of ₦240,000, payable monthly to students. This revolutionary scheme is closing the gap between rich and poor, making education accessible to all. Moreover, the administration’s focus on empowering youth through the National Youth Fund and grants to nano businesses is fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Under Tinubu's leadership, Nigeria is experiencing unprecedented growth and development, with ongoing infrastructure projects across the nation. His achievements are so significant and visible that even opposition voices are asking, "Why the haste?" In just one year, his administration's legacies are already etched in the sands of time, marking a new dawn for Nigeria.



God Bless Federal Republic of Nigeria

(C) Blamingthedevil

Ikumapkayi:
Mumu! Rather than work hard you dey curse people who are living well and doing fine. May the curse return back to you hundredfold

NIGERIA’S struggle to develop and sustain local oil refineries has long been a sore point. The oil industry, often touted as the lifeblood of the country’s economy, remains paradoxically underdeveloped at its downstream core. This is no accident but the result of a complex web that has inhibited the growth of local refineries.

Despite being the largest oil producer in Africa, Nigeria has relied on importing refined petroleum products for decades despite having four public refineries that have gulped billions of dollars in TAM. These refineries—Port Harcourt (two plants), Warri, and Kaduna—have operated far below capacity, often plagued by poor maintenance, outdated technology, and mismanagement. The result is a country rich in crude oil but impoverished in refined products, leading to a heavy dependence on imports and, by extension, international refineries. The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, said Nigeria spends $600 million monthly on fuel imports.

A significant factor is the influence of multinational oil companies and foreign governments, who benefit immensely from Nigeria’s reliance on imported refined petroleum products.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently fingered the oil cabal for frustrating the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, which has been lamenting low crude supply by the multinationals. This is against the Petroleum Industry Act.

Apart from the Dangote Refinery, other domestic refiners in Edo and Imo states are suffering from a crude shortage.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s argument that oil supply should be based on a “willing buyer and seller” system flies in the face of the PIA, which prioritises crude supply to local refiners. Tragically, the NNPC, which ought to champion the successful take-off of local refineries, has failed to rise to the occasion. The NUPRCL appears to lack the muscle to perform its job.

Compounding this issue is the internal sabotage rooted in corruption and the self-serving agendas of certain political elites and business moguls. These individuals, who profit from the status quo, have little incentive to support the revitalisation of local refineries.

The oil subsidy regime is another mechanism through which this conspiracy is perpetuated. While intended to make petroleum products affordable for the average Nigerian, the subsidy became a conduit for corruption. The funds for refinery maintenance and development are often diverted, leaving the refineries in perpetual disrepair.

To break free from this web, there must be a concerted effort to reduce the influence of foreign interests that undermine local refining capabilities. This includes renegotiating contracts and policies that favour foreign refineries at the expense of domestic production.

Internal reforms are crucial. The government must enforce stricter oversight to prevent sabotage and ensure that funds allocated for refinery maintenance and development are used effectively. Transparency and accountability must be the watchwords if the sector is to be revitalised.

Driving local crude oil refining in Nigeria is crucial for achieving energy independence, creating jobs, and boosting economic growth. The government and relevant stakeholders should prioritise the rehabilitation and modernisation of existing refineries.

Tax holidays, duty waivers on imported refinery equipment, and other financial incentives can attract local and foreign investors to establish new refineries. Simplifying the regulatory framework for obtaining licences and approvals can reduce the bureaucratic bottlenecks that deter investors. A transparent and efficient process will encourage more companies to invest in refining.

Modular refineries, which are smaller and quicker to build, can help increase refining capacity in the short term. The government should support the development of these refineries by providing access to financing, land, and technical assistance.

The recent directive by President Bola Tinubu to the NNPC to sell crude to the local refiners in naira is commendable and should be implemented without further delays.

Beyond meeting local demand, Nigeria can position itself as a regional refining powerhouse, exporting refined petroleum products to other African countries.

Matthew stated that the price of flour had increased to N67,000 per bag, up from N8,000 10 years ago, making it challenging for bakeries to produce bread at an affordable price.

The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria in Lagos State has lamented the incessant increase in flour prices in the country.

The association made this known during a protest held in the state on Wednesday.

Addressing newsmen during the protest, the association’s chairman, Chief Ayoola Mathew, said despite the recent approval of a duty-free importation waiver on wheat, maize, and other commodities, flour prices kept rising.

Ayoola also expressed concern over Nigerian millers’ failure to implement the waiver. This, he said, had led to a surge in flour prices, making it difficult for bakeries to operate smoothly.

He said, “In July, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the approval of a 150-day duty-free window to allow the importation of wheat, maize, and husked brown rice as part of measures to alleviate rising food inflation across the country, effective August 1, 2024. The purpose of the Federal Government’s notable action was to help bring down the prices of food items in the market, making some food items more accessible and affordable for the masses.

“As Nigerians and members of the Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, We sincerely commend the Federal Government upon this approval as part of measures to combat rising food inflation in Nigeria. However, it’s unfortunate to note that the Nigerian millers have yet to implement this relief on price of their commodities.”

He added that the association’s findings revealed that some millers chose to ignore the waiver and instead continued to inflate the price of flour daily.

The body stressed that such an action had not only disregarded the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians but also a severe blow to their industry.

“It’s a way of robbing the innocent Nigerians. The millers did not consider our call for price reduction but rather advised us to inflate the price of bread more to inflict pain and hardship on the common man, which is an inhumane action to take.

“This constant increase in the price of flour by millers has made it impossible for bakeries to operate and function smoothly which has also led to the shutdown of many bakeries and their staff being laid off. Lives are at stake when basic needs are scarce. Nigerians complain daily due to a lack of basic needs for survival and bread is one of them. The flour millers are mounting pressure on human beings unnecessarily.”

Matthew stated that the price of flour had increased to N67,000 per bag, up from N8,000 10 years ago, making it challenging for bakeries to produce bread at an affordable price.

The association however appealed to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment for an urgent intervention in the escalating flour price crisis.

It also urged the government to investigate the activities of Nigerian millers and sugar producers, assess their operations, and enforce price reductions to cushion the effect of hunger on Nigerians.

While demanding a reduction in the prices of sugar, flour, and other baking ingredients, the body also sought surplus distribution and accessibility of commodities to bakers.

According to Mathew, the association proposed a reduced flour price range of between N30,000 and N35,000 per bag and called for proper monitoring and sanctions on non-compliant agencies, groups, or individuals.

The bakers warned that the shutdown of bakeries due to high production costs would exacerbate hunger and unemployment, emphasising the need for urgent government intervention to enforce the waiver and reduce food prices.

“We propose a reduced flour price range of between N30,000 and N35,000 per bag. We also demand a surplus in the distribution and accessibility of commodities to bakers. We urge the Federal Government to take decisive actions to ensure that the waivers on wheat importations are enforced and that the millers comply with the intended purpose of reducing the cost of flour and sugar. The Federal Government waiver should reflect the cost of food items bought,” he concluded.

AguluLiar:
Onitsha is the headquarters of Agberos.
Onitsha is located in cursed biafran region

Alliswell248:
Nobody, I repeat nobody can please the obidafts....
No wonder, someone called them nitwit, gbadue, and headless.

They think backward....
To read and understand is a big wahala for them.

Sore losers

Tjra:
The supreme Court of Nigeria already addressed it.

chatinent:
As a political scientist, I happen to stand with Okonkwo on what he said about Peter Obi. Obi's political style of 'man of the people' politics is absurb...wanting to play nice guy to everyone.

Same thing Sanwo Olu was doing during pre-election era visiting all and sundry.

Politics is who gets what, when and how...and the "how" part is what Obi should work on... because at the end of the day, how well you work on how depends on how well INEK will treat you.

Lifestone:
There is a proposal to make criminal, insults to Leaders (both political and traditional)

Lifestone:
With the proposed new Law, you will be in serious troubles with this type of comments. You can still make your contribution without being abusive

NOC1:
The protest was disrupted because the funds were blocked. What those guys where planning in Twitter space was anarchy.
The protest has a serious political and regime change sponsors, but the ignorant youths did not understand

The Federal Government has traced at least N83 billion in cryptocurrency and fiat money channelled towards the recent nationwide protests, The PUNCH reports.

They include $50m of cryptocurrency — $38m of which were blocked in four cryptocurrency wallets — and N4bn contributed by various political actors in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and Katsina.

This was part of a presentation by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, at the inaugural meeting of the Council of State convened by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Council of State meeting
According to multiple sources with knowledge of Tuesday’s meeting proceedings, Ribadu, who presented on the topic ‘The Nationwide Protest As It Affects National Security,’ also revealed that an European has been identified as the mastermind of the proliferation of foreign flags during the protests and will soon be declared wanted by the Police.

One of the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, disclosed that local conspirators traced to capital city Abuja, Kaduna and Kano have been arrested.

“In his presentation, the NSA said the government was able to trace $50m to crypto wallets that were made as donations to the protests. They succeeded in blocking four of those wallets containing $38m.

“They also found out that some political actors contributed N4bn to fund the protests,” one of the sources told The PUNCH.

The PUNCH had reported on Tuesday that President Tinubu convened the Council of State meeting to discuss, among other matters, the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, national security, the economy and food security.

The Council comprises the President (who serves as its chairman), the Vice President, all former Presidents and Heads of State, all former Chief Justices of Nigeria, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Secretary to the Government of The Federation and all state governors.

Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhamamdu Buhari attended the inaugural Council meeting, while former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), joined virtually alongside governors of Abia, Adamawa and Akwa Ibom State.

Obasanjo, IBB absent

However, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) did not attend the meeting.

Tuesday’s gathering came days after Nigerians, mostly youths, hit the roads in Abuja for a one-million-man march. The march, which climaxed with a low turnout, marked the 10th day of the nationwide protest against the rising cost of living in the country.

On August 1, the opening day of the nationwide protest, demonstrations declined into destruction of property and loss of lives, especially in the North, leading to at least 17 reported deaths during the “days of rage.”

On August 3, just two days into the demonstrations, viral photos and videos showed demonstrators waving the flags in Kano State and chanting in Hausa, “We don’t want bad government.”

In Kaduna, a state in the north west, protesters were also seen waving the Russian flag and reciting in Hausa, “Welcome, Russia; Welcome, Russia.” Russia, an Eastern power which is currently mired in a proxy war with the West, has been blamed for several unconstitutional changes of government in West African countries such as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, among others.

The Nigerian military said the use of Russian flags during the protests was a treasonable offence, adding that it was investigating those behind the move and would “take serious action” against them.

While addressing the nation in a broadcast on August 4, President Tinubu warned demonstrators not to “let the enemies of democracy use you to promote an unconstitutional agenda that will set us back on our democratic journey.”

The PUNCH reported earlier that security agencies had identified at least four politicians from Katsina, Kaduna and Kano states, who, they said, promoted the use of the Russian flag among demonstrators with the intent to spark unconstitutional regime change.

Another source privy to the discussions at the Council of State meeting told our correspondent that these local actors have been arrested, with the foreign mastermind on the run.

The source said, “The NSA also briefed the Council that there was some element of foreign interference in the protest, that they found out that some foreigners fueled the protests. It was not just about Nigerians protesting against hardship.

“A foreign agent had been found to be connected to it and would soon be declared wanted by the Police. The police will make the announcement this week.

“This agent is a person of interest with his Nigerian collaborators; most of them have been arrested. They are looking for him. But his collaborators in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina have been arrested. The NSA also confirmed that eight people died during the protests.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, said no political actor would be allowed to instigate an unconstitutional regime change. He described the #EndBadGovernance protests as an attempt to achieve regime change, saying any such changes must be made through the ballots, not through insurrection.

“Any change of government has to be through the ballots and not through the barrel of the gun or insurrection or any other unconstitutional means,” Alake stated while briefing State House correspondents after the Council of State meeting at the Villa on Tuesday.

He added, “Matters of state were discussed in a robust and frank manner. The National Security Adviser was also on hand to present the security situation of the country. He informed the Council of State about the pre-, during and post-event of the last protests, which I do not call a protest. I call it a movement to effect a regime change by force, which was resisted.

“The Council thanked Nigerians at large for resisting any unconstitutional move to change the government. If anybody is not satisfied with the government, there is always an election coming, so you wait for the election and cast your vote.

“The NSA briefed the Council on the security situation and allayed fears. He spoke about the tightness of the security around the country and also reassured all and sundry that nobody would be allowed to truncate our hard-earned democracy. And he reassured us of the readiness of all security agencies in the country to secure our territorial integrity and protect Nigeria’s democracy.”

The cabinet member confirmed an earlier report by The PUNCH, stating that he and his counterparts from various ministries briefed the Council on seven areas: The Nationwide Protest as it Affects National Security; the State of the Economy; Food Security, Availability and Affordability; Milestones in the Solid Minerals Sector; Budgeting and Planning for Sustained Development; Milestones in the Road Sector and Leading a Strong Industrial Base for Transformation and Growth.

“Some of us ministers were invited to make presentations on our road map and what we’ve achieved, as well as the prospects and the challenges in our various ministries.

“And so, me, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and the Finance minister, Mr Wale Edun, were there to make a presentation.

“The Minister of Budget was also there, he made his presentation. The Minister of Works also made a presentation and so did the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Minister of Agriculture,” he stated.

On his part, Finance minister Wale Edun told journalists that his data-based presentation at the Council meeting showed attendees Nigeria’s inflation rate, which he said was too high by Tinubu’s reckoning, was reducing steadily.

“In my case, we updated them on the economy, how much progress has been made in terms of the macroeconomic policies being followed under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, and these policies are anchored on his eight priority areas and the results to date have been very encouraging.

“We looked at the data of this half year for which data was available, compared to the first and second quarters of 2023. And in broad terms, the economy is growing. The balance of payments, in particular, the trade and current account balances, are in surplus.

“The exchange rate is stabilising, and inflation, though uncomfortably high for the liking of Mr. President and his team, is slowing, and it is set to fall. But in particular, there has been support for the economy from investors, by way of portfolio investors and domestic investors, who are participating in important private-public partnerships, particularly the infrastructure sector and foreign direct investment, which is beginning to recover; I would say so.”

Edun noted that the takeaway from his presentation was that “we have exports, goods exports, non-oil exports, at $55bn last year with tremendous room to grow. And we reported an optimistic outlook for the Nigerian economy and society in general due to prospects for economic growth and progress.”

He said the service sector, particularly the outsourcing industry, was highlighted as a sector with high prospects for growth in the near future.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced that the Council of State unanimously passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu.

“The high note of the meeting was a unanimous passage of a vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, Commander in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State, said.

“Members, especially those of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, were satisfied with the presentation by the members of the Federal Executive Council, and after that meeting, there was an executive session between members of the NGF and Mr President, and frank and fruitful discussions were held between both parties.

“I’m glad to say we are on the right track. And to say in the same vein, members of the NGF, like the members of the Council of State, also passed a vote of confidence on Mr. President.”

The Council was last held 18 months ago – February 10, 2023 – under former President Muhammadu Buhari. At the time, Buhari had convened the meeting to discuss the 2023 elections, the crisis emanating from the new naira policy and fuel scarcity.

The National Council of State is a constitutional organ of the Nigerian government that advises the executive on policy-making, among other functions. Its largely advisory role is to guide the President in decision-making processes on national security, appointments and economic policies.

At the President’s behest, the Council meets to deliberate on crucial national issues, including—but not limited to—national security, economic challenges and the appointment of key public officials like the chairman and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Population Commission and the Police Service Commission.

Additionally, the Council advises on the exercise of the President’s powers regarding pardons and commutations. The meetings are typically convened by the President and are not held regularly but are instead called as needed, especially when the country faces significant challenges that require input from past and present leaders. Though not binding, the Council’s recommendations often influence presidential decisions.

membranus:
Old story, you are becoming boring. Find something new to talk about.

meditator:
At least he would remain the President for 8 years and your wailing and misery would go on. Nothing you and your bittered kinsmen can do about it

vibratingpenis:
If the woman pays the 2 million, he is still a convicted felon; same way tinubu forfeited some cocaine and heroin money, meaning he is a convicted felon, now, this is what the west is using to control him in such a way that all his policies must first favour them before us.

Know this and know peace, if you are clean politically, you can never be the president of Nigeria.

Do you think those defending this regime doesn't know?


N/B:
Warning. Mods please una sabi ban me whenever I vomit the truth leaving dirty propaganda peddlers to run amok, mod Once any of those nincompoops quote me, they are liable for my reply and so I shouldn't suffer from any of its consequences because they will try to bully me but most of them do forget that my hobby is to bully their prophet mohammad or their parents.
Mods, you see I made all these my submissions without calling anyone's name, because one dirty aboki Typing yesterday thought he was dealing with a normal human until nzuo yiike na ahu, mkpuruamu ya chara red by force.

Already, one imbechile don quote me but I am waiting for him to finish, let me now tell him about his prophet and how horrible he influenced his parents.
Thank you.

JagabanB:
Obidents from every corner of the country were clamouring for him and how will transform Osun, nothing don happen till now.

meditator:
Yes, he also receives advice from mad man

meditator:
No, he invests government money into family business, launder 20M every month to Lagos State and invests in brewery that's currently worth next to nothing, instead of education