Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), has observed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited need to sell imported fuel above landing cost to combat smuggling.

The minister made this statement at the 2024 Energy and Labour summit in Abuja, where he also pointed fingers at security agencies for their complicity in aid of smuggling activities.

He mentioned that smugglers will continue to thrive as long as NNPC imports fuel and sells it below the landing cost.

“If NNPC imports PMS and sells to marketers at perhaps N600 or below, there’s no way that smuggling can stop.

“When smugglers are taking the products outside the country, even if you put all the policemen on the road, they are Nigerians; you and I know the answer (response),” he said.

Furthermore, Lokpobiri acknowledged that fuel smuggling from Nigeria to neighboring countries is a persistent issue that cannot be fully eliminated.

He also explained that the NNPC lacks the financial resources needed to rebuild the nation’s aging pipelines, which have been a significant factor in economic sabotage through vandalism and crude oil theft, draining vital oil revenue.

He mentioned that “the old, corroded pipelines, some of which date back to the 1960s and 1970s, are easily vandalized,” thus facilitating the illegal transport of fuel.

“The reason why pipeline vandalism is very easy to do is because the pipelines have all expired; they are completely corroded. So, anybody can just go and tap it, and the thing is busted.

“The challenge lies in transporting it to terminals due to the deteriorated state of the pipelines.”

In addition, Lokpobiri called for a public-private partnership to address the infrastructure issues.

“That is why we have to go for the global model – PPP. We have to get the private sector to come in.”

What you should know

Nigeria has struggled to meet its oil production targets in the first five months of the year.

The country aimed to produce 1.78 million barrels of crude oil per day, but the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) set a lower production quota of 1.5 million barrels per day in December, which was 288,000 barrels below the budget target.

In January, OPEC figures revealed that Nigeria’s average crude oil production was 1.42 million barrels per day, falling short of both the OPEC quota and the budget target.

This figure dropped to 1.32 million barrels per day in February and further declined to 1.23 million barrels per day, according to direct communication figures from OPEC.

Throughout the first quarter of the year, Nigeria, much like in 2023, failed to meet the OPEC+ production quota and the 2024 budget production target. The average production barely reached 1.4 million barrels per day.

Amid issues around availability of petroleum, residents of border communities between Nigeria and Benin Republic in Ogun State have lamented the cost of buying petroleum.

It was gathered that in the areas, petroleum has reached up to N2000 per litre.

This may not be unconnected to the fact that only four petroleum stations are said to be licensed by the federal government in the area, they are; Lafems Oil, Mobil Fuelling Station, Oppresso Oil and Gas; and Somolab Fuelling Station are authorised by the Nigerian government to sell petrol.

Some of the areas affected are; Idiroko, Ijofin, Agosasa, Ipokia, Iwoye Ketu, Tube, Oniro, Araromi ofo, Ilate, Ohunbo, Agada, Maahun and Tungeji, across Ipokia and Imeko Afon Local Government Areas.

The fueling stations licensed by the federal government sell fuel between N1,200 and N1,300 per litre, while black marketers sell N2,000 per litre, according to PUNCH.

Smugglers have also been blamed for the increase in the cost of petroleum in the area.

It would be recalled that in 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari banned the supply of petroleum products to petrol stations within 20km of the country’s border due to diversion of fuel to Neighbour if countries.

Although the Buhari government later granted some filling station waivers to sell fuel in the border communities, the number is however insignificant to the population of the areas.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum, Imoleayo Mawutin, lamented that four petrol stations were grossly inadequate to serve a population of over 350,000 people.

He called on the government to lift the ban on the sale of petrol and allow other filling stations sell fuel.

Every week, we have a total supply of 180,000 litres of PMS in our local government but it is all going down the drain to the Benin Republic, PMS racketeers and black marketers.

“Our people now have to go as far as over 30km to Owode township, in another local government to buy PMS which customs will still have to harass and treat them badly while they confiscate the products meant for domestic consumption.

“These inhumane acts had forced most of our hospitals, Small and Medium Enterprises and farmers out of operations and the few left with no other option have to result to buying of PMS from black marketers and hoarders at an unreasonable price ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 Naira per litre”, Mawutin said.

AbdulSamad Rabiu, the Chairman of BUA Cement, has said the intention of his company to sell cement at N3,500 in 2023 was frustrated by the actions of cement dealers.

Rabiu said BUA sold over a million tons of cement to dealers at N3,500 per bag, intending for these to be transferred to the end-users.

Speaking in Abuja, Rabiu noted that the dealers were selling each bag of cement to consumers for prices ranging from N7,000 to N8,000.

He mentioned that the company needed to discontinue the policy since its involvement was not intended to support dealers financially.

He mentioned that BUA Cement was unable to regulate the dealers who, he claimed, were earning substantial profits due to the high margins, as the company lacked influence over pricing in the open market.

He said, “So, a lot of the dealers took advantage of that policy. Rather than pass the low prices to the customers, they were selling at even double the price we sold to them.

“Some were selling at N7, 000 and 8 000 per bag. They made a lot of money with a very high margin. I think we had sold more than a million tons at N3,500 before we realised what the dealers were doing.

“And then, because of the issues that Nigeria faced at the time about devaluation of the Naira last year and the removal of fuel subsidy, we could not continue that policy.

“We wanted that price to stay at that level but dealers refused. So, we could not sustain that simply because we did not want to be in a situation where we are subsidizing dealers.

“I’m referring to the point when the foreign exchange rate moved from about N600 to maybe N1,800 to the US Dollar. So, it became even more challenging and more difficult for us to actually sustain that price policy.”

Tinubu most demonized Nigerian, my house better than his Bourdillion – Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has described President Bola Tinubu as the most demonised politician in Nigeria. Shettima disclosed that his house.

LilNetty:
Please I need your candid advice.

My wedding is coming up in some months and I need your advice. My fiancé and her family are insisting on court wedding which I don’t want to object to. I should have moved on but she pregnant. What can I do?

Canada-based Nigerian woman, Amaka Patience Sunnberger, has dismissed the possibility of arrest or deportation after the Nigerian House of Representatives urged the Canadian government to prosecute her for inciting violence and genocide against Yoruba and Benin people.

In a viral video clip that started trending on social media on Thursday, Sunnberger cited her Canadian citizenship as protection, stating that Canada’s legal system is unlike Nigeria’s, where arrests can be made without questioning.

She said, “Somebody just send me message, say them arrest me, say them wan deport me, with passport? I be Canada pikin.

“See am now, I dey house, why I go dey lie?

This comes after a video clip surfaced on Tuesday, showing her making threatening comments against Yoruba and Benin people during a virtual meeting on TikTok.

The woman, claiming to be a resident of Ontario, Canada, vowed to harm Yoruba or Benin individuals she encounters, sparking outrage and prompting the House of Representatives to request her prosecution.

The House of Representatives has written to the Canadian government, urging it to investigate and prosecute Sunnberger for her inciting comments, which it said violate international and Canadian laws.

NIGERIA is on the brink of another protest. Barely three weeks after the economically damaging #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, another round of protest looms in October. For a country that has yet to recover from the experience of the previous one, holding another protest three months after could be a dangerous turning point.

Codenamed #FearlessInOctober protests, the demonstration, according to the Director of Mobilisation of Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, will maintain the same charter of demands but amend it “as the country decays more.”

The August 1-10 protests were staged to denounce the ongoing pervasive hardship in the land. Nigerians were appreciative of the protest staged in their interest on the first day but were taken aback when it degenerated into the looting of shops, vandalising property, torching of assets, and killings by the security agents in the subsequent days. Over 30 people lost their lives, and police arrested over 1,000 rioters.

Indeed, the protesters have made their point. The organisers could observe an interlude to await the government’s response before embarking on fresh protests.

Acute hunger and hardship are at the heart of the protests. The government must urgently do something about the naira depreciation, incoherent monetary policies, and food and energy prices that impoverish Nigerians. In 2022, the NBS said 133 million people are multidimensionally poor. The World Bank added seven million to that in 2023 because of the removal of the petrol subsidy and the merger of the naira exchange rates.

However, demonstrators should act differently to press their demands. Protests should be peaceful and devoid of violence and looting. At those times, the government must demand the highest level of professionalism from the security operatives.

The protests were more pronounced in the North, with the region recording a high number of underage protesters waving Russian flags, looting shops, and vandalising properties.

In Kano, the protesters looted the Nigerian Communications Commission Digital Innovation Centre and carted away chairs, hardware, and equipment from the park.

About 65 per cent of the poor (86 million people) live in the region and over 50 per cent of the 20.2 million children aged five-14 years out of school in Nigeria reside there. Northern governors must shut the floodgate by designing programmes that could urgently address the socio-economic challenges.

At these harsh times, the government must not only be churning out programmes to assuage the feelings and take care of the people’s needs but should also be seen as doing so. Between now and October, the government has enough time to render the proposed protest unnecessary.

Therefore, the government must improve its arrogant communication campaign that aggravated the problem it was intended to solve. Its media and communication interventions should move away from its combative and reactive stance and be strategic, proactive, results-oriented, and empathic. It was a poor communication strategy to keep blaming the opposition in a hunger protest whose solution looked distant and hopeless.

The government’s communication strategies need to address the fault lines. Communication messages should be out before sponsors take the lead. Government must be proactive by assuaging people’s feelings and accelerating attempts to improve people’s lives. Massive sensitisation programmes should be targeted at the underage and the illiterate.

The Bola Tinubu administration should address the excessive cost of governance, which is one of the protesters’ points. Instead of working on this, Tinubu recently unveiled a presidential jet and expensive SUVs, giving ammunition to the agitators.

The three tiers of government must find a way to promptly address the planned protests by meeting the hunger and hardship demands.

In subsequent protests, the government should change its shambolic security strategy.

Twenty one states of the federation are seeking loans amounting to N1.65 trillion to fund their 2024 budget deficits despite the increase in the allocations they have received from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in the last one year.

From June 2023 to June this year, all the 36 states and the 774 local governments received a total of N7.6 trillion from FAAC. This increase in revenue is largely due to the removal of petrol subsidy by the federal government on May 29, 2023.

Findings by Daily Trust show that the 36 states are projected to receive N5.54 trillion from FACC for this year as against the N3.3 trillion disbursed to them last year.

Under the current revenue-sharing formula, the federal government receives 52.68 percent; while states and local governments get 26.72 percent and 20.60 percent respectively. Such federation revenues, in addition to internally generated revenues of each tier, are expected to facilitate development across the three tiers of government, and also ensuring that the governments fulfill their financial obligations.

The FAAC allocations to local governments for June were paid directly to the state governments.

The Supreme Court had, on July 11, affirmed financial autonomy for the local governments. The apex court directed that the financial allocations meant for all the 774 local government areas in the country be paid to them directly. It said it is unconstitutional for state governments to keep and manage allocations on behalf of the local governments.

States’ borrowing patterns

Investigations by Daily Trust show that 21 states have expressed intentions to borrow a total sum of N1.650 trillion from both internal and external sources to fund their 2024 budget deficits.

Other states are yet to upload their borrowing plans.

According to details of the borrowing plans made public,
Adamawa State Government is to borrow N68.46 billion;
Anambra N245 billion;
Bauchi, N59.08 billion;
Bayelsa, N64 billion;
Benue, N34.69 billion;
Borno, N41.71 billion;
Ebonyi, N20.5 billion;
Edo, N42.71 billion;
Ekiti State, N27.15 billion;
Jigawa, N1.78 billion;
Kaduna, N150.1 billion,
Kebbi, N36.7 billion;
Katsina, N163.87 billion;
Kogi, N37.08 billion;
Kwara, N30.76 billion;
Osun, N12.36 billion;
Oyo, N133.4 billion;
Nasarawa, N32.93 billion;
Gombe, N73.75 billion;
Enugu, N103 billion and
Imo, N271.34 billion.

The monthly FAAC allocations to the 36 states and the 774 local governments from June last year to June this year stood at N7.6 trillion. This represents an increase of over 40 per cent.

In June 2023, states got N299.92 billion; local government councils (LGCs), N221.79. July: states, N310.670 billion, LGCs, N229. 409 billion. August: states, N319.52 billion; LGCs, N236.23 billion. September: states, N361.19 billion; LGCs, N266.54 billion. October: states, N287.07 billion; LGCs, N210.90 billion. November: states, N379.41 billion; LGCs, N278.04 billion. December: states, N396.693 billion and LGCs, N288.928 billion.

In January this year, state governments got N379.407 billion; LGCs, N278.041 billion. February: states, N366.95 billion; LGCs, N267.15 billion. March: states, N398.689 billion; LGCs, N288.688 billion. April: states, N403 billion; LGCs, N293 billion. May: states, N388.419 billion; LGCs, N282.476 billion. June: states, N461.979; LGCs, N337.019 billion.

Allocations from Value Added Tax also rose year-on-year by 228.8 percent to N2.42 trillion in the first five months of 2024, up from N736.06 billion in the first five months of 2023.

The 13 percent derivation fund received by oil producing states also rose by 234 percent to N519.83 billion in the first five months of 2024, up from N155.5 billion in the first five months of 2023.


20% of June allocation enough to build 320 PHCs

In June this year alone, the FAAC allocations to both states and local governments crossed the N1 trillion mark with N1.3 trillion.

If the standard of N500 million outlined by the World Health Oganisation (WHO) for establishment of an averagely equipped primary healthcare centre facility is anything to go by, 20 percent (N160 billion) of the June allocation is enough to put in place 320 of such health facilities nationwide.

There’s need for accountability – Experts

The Executive Director of the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity, Umar Yakubu, said there is a need for accountability regarding how the allocations to the states are being spent. In an interview with Daily Trust, Yakubu noted that the removal of the petrol subsidy has led to a significant increase in revenues, especially at the states and local governments.

He said: “The major issues is that governments think the more they make revenue, the more they solve problems because the accountability mechanism is so weak and the audit processes are not good enough to check excesses.

“So, what you have is more Naira into the system and the few who have access to them will convert them to dollars, which is the major reason our foreign exchange market has not stabilised because of too much Naira chasing few dollars.

“Therefore, we call for accountability which has to be in place to check corruption because as you can see, more money has come, but no state is recruiting, no state is increasing pensions or allowances of workers or event increasing capital expenditures because they are just siphoning money without accountability”, he said.

Also speaking to Daily Trust, a development expert, Victor Agi, said if the issue of accountability at the sub-national level is not tackled head-on, the challenges at the grassroots would continue.

Agi said state governments must be accountable with the increased revenues to drive growth at the grassroots.

“One of the issues is that people always blame bad governance on the federal government, forgetting that governors also get huge allocations to develop their various states.

“In the last one year, revenues have grown by almost 50 per cent, yet the governors can’t improve welfare of their workers and the people in general. For instance, the president signed the national minimum wage of N70,000 and some of the governors are kicking that they can’t pay despite increase in revenues. This indicates that something is wrong.

“What is more disturbing is that the same issue will now be encountered in the local governments now that their allocations will be paid directly. There is need for more awareness from civil society to ensure that development at the grassroots is implemented now that revenues have increased,” he said.

The Federal Government has declared that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited does not have the funds required to rebuild old pipelines.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, stated this at the just concluded Energy and Labour Summit 2024 organised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria in Abuja.

Lokpobiri, while speaking about the divestment of international oil companies and the need to ramp up production, emphasised that Nigeria also needs to repair its pipelines, which he said are old, corroded, and expired.

He noted that even if the country can produce more than 1.7 million barrels of crude oil, the problem is how to evacuate it to the terminal.


So This Happened (251) reviews the murder of a pregnant woman in Rivers, other
“Part of our problem is that pipelines that were traditionally transporting our crude were built in the 1960s and the 1970s and the lifespan is since over. We have identified that even when we can produce, evacuation is a big problem.

“The reason why pipeline vandalism is very easy to do is because the pipelines have all expired they completely corroded and so, anybody can just go and tap it and the thing is busted; but there are better technologies which are more expensive, there are better pipelines that other people are using in other countries, but they are not cheap, We also need to change our model.

“Now, the NNPC that is our joint venture partner, do they have the money to be able to replace these pipelines? I think NNPC will speak for themselves whether they have the money to be able to do that, and I don’t think they have,” Lokpobiri declared.


Consequently, he called for public-private partnerships to fix the old pipelines, saying, “That is why we have to go for the global model – PPP. We have to get the private sector to come in.

For the private sector to come into any country to invest, he said they must have confidence in such a country, stressing that this was lacking in the past 12 years when there was no foreign investment in the nation’s oil company.

“When this government, came we tried to rebuild the confidence and investors are coming,” Lokpobiri added.

The oil minister maintained that the smuggling of fuel from Nigeria to other neighbouring countries is because the NNPC imports and sells below the landing cost.

“Nigeria plays a very critical role in the energy security in Africa. That is why whatever PMS we import into Nigeria finds its way to the whole of West Africa. That is why smuggling cannot stop. If NNPC Imports PMS and sells to marketers at perhaps N600 or below, there’s no way that smuggling can stop,’ saying the security agents at the borders are also involved.

“When smugglers are taking the products outside the country, even if you put all the policemen on the road, they are Nigerians; you and I know the answer. If you put all the customs men on the road, they are Nigerians, you and I know what the problem is, and that is why I’m saying that for Africa to attain energy

security, Nigeria has to play a very strategic role,” he remarked.


On the supply of crude to Dangote and other local refineries, he expressed fear that this may suffer a setback except production is ramped up.

“Our ambition is to ramp up production. It is only when we ramp on production that the midstream and the downstream can also be successful. You know we resolve at the Federal Executive Council to sell crude to local refineries – Dangote and the other refineries that are refining products for local consumption.

“But the bigger challenge is whether we have enough quantity to be able to supply them because of certain things that happened before we came. You will agree with me that when I became minister one year ago, we were doing barely about a million barrels, but today we’re doing 1.7mbpd approximately, inclusive of condensate,” Lokpobiri said.

He added, “Supporting local refining is the way to go. We can look for investors to explore and ring out this crude, so I will be able to meet both our domestic obligation and also export some to be able to raise more dollars and meet our obligations.

“We are committed to ensuring we support local refineries with all the feed-stock. If you must supply refineries in Nigeria and you don’t have the crude to supply, it remains something that is written beautifully in a law.”

He said the Federal Government would ensure there is healthy competition by being fair to both the small and the big refiners.

iwaeda:


Tinubu's greed out of this world. Reason Lagos have been shared to the smallest street and base, Nlfpmod, geed is bad.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has asked the Federal Government to explain why Oando Plc owned by the President’s nephew, got an accelerated approval to buy the onshore assets of AGIP and ENI while other transactions such as the Shell/Renaissance deal and the Mobil/Seplat continue to suffer delays.

The former Vice President also slammed the Bola Tinubu administration for implementing a sham subsidy regime as revealed in the financial statement recently released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

“Tinubu visited the FMDQ in New York, visited Qatar, visited France where he told lies about removing petrol subsidies. Obviously, this is not a man who is serious about attracting FDI. More worrisome is that he is not even brave enough to admit that subsidy is being paid. The NNPCL admits that N7.8tn is owed to the national oil company by the Nigerian government.

“IMF estimates that subsidy payments this year will constitute 3% of GDP, which is about $7.5bn. This will be about N11.8tn. Yet, the petrol scarcity continues to linger while the Tinubu administration continues to frustrate the Dangote Refinery and even its own NNPCL facilities. Obviously, the subsidy regime has become an even wider conduit pipe through which monies for funding the 2027 election will come from,” Atiku said.

The former Vice President doubled down on his allegation that Oando was being given undue and preferential treatment in the oil and gas sector to the detriment of more competent investors.

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election also knocked the House of Representatives for failing to take proper action on the NNPCL which has now gone ahead to “mortgage the country’s national oil assets to vested interests”.

Atiku said, “Within just eight months, the Nigerian Upstream Production Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) approved a deal which saw the divestment of ENI/AGIP onshore assets to Oando. Within that same period, Nigeria controversially withdrew all litigation against Shell/ENI in the OPL 245 scandal in what has been described as a quid pro quo.

“However, the attempt by SEPLAT to buy Mobil’s onshore assets has continued to stall for the last three years even as the consent letter remains on Tinubu’s table. The deal between Renaissance and Shell continues to stall. In fact, the only deal that has fully scaled through so far is the one involving Oando. We now know why it got accelerated approval.

“Ideally, democracy ought to be government of the people, for the people, and by the people. But democracy in Nigeria has become the government of Tinubu, by Tinubu, and for Tinubu and his family members.”

Atiku added, “In July 2023, the House of Representatives, following the adoption of a motion moved by Miriam Onuoha directed NNPC Ltd to suspend the acquisition of OVH assets pending an investigation by its committee.

“The House ad-hoc committee requested the NNPC Ltd to furnish it with information about registration documents/history from CAC for OVH, Nueoil, and NNPC Retail Limited (NRL), Board Resolution of NNPC Ltd on purchase of OVH, Audited Financial Statement and Management Accounts from 2015 to date of OVH, Nueoil, NRL and NNPC Ltd and the payroll from 2015 to date for NRL and OVH; Board Resolution of NRL/CHQ for movement of head office to Lagos and evidence of Tax Payments for NRL and OVH from 2015 to date.

“The NNPC ignored all these and went ahead to transfer its ownership and properties in its retail arm to OVH, thereby mortgaging the future of Nigerians.

Despite the rot in the oil sector, the head of the NNPC, the head of the NUPRC, and the head of the NMDPRA continue to keep their jobs. This is clear evidence that they are fulfilling the mandate given to them by Tinubu.”

Furthermore, Atiku pointed out that the NNPC lied in its vacuous response to their statement last week, as it is on record that the Kyari-led management appointed Huub Stoksman, a former Chief Executive Officer of OVH Energy, as Managing Director of NNPC Retail, and Mumuni Dangazau, the former Chief Operating Officer of OVH Energy, as his Special Adviser Downstream, long before the consummation of the incestuous marriage of the entitities.

In a related development, Atiku also lambasted the Tinubu administration for the rise in human rights abuses.

The Waziri Adamawa said Tinubu who rode to power over exaggerated claims of being a freedom fighter, had turned against the people by allowing the Department of State Services (DSS), police and even the military to abuse the rights of citizens without any consequences.

He said that in some instances, citizens were arrested in a gestapo manner without the knowledge of their relatives who go about looking for them for several weeks.

The former Vice President said the most affected since Tinubu took office have been journalists whose only crime is reporting the news and exposing government indiscretion.

He argued that the Cyber Crime Prevention Act 2015 had become a tool with which officials in the Tinubu administration were abducting citizens while the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) had transmuted into the defunct SARS.

Atiku added, “The dangerous trend of enforced disappearances has become a national embarrassment for a country which claims to be practising democracy. On May 1, 2024, Daniel Ojukwu of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism went missing and was presumed abducted by kidnappers until he was later discovered to be in police custody on the orders of IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

“Ojukwu’s crime was that he exposed the corruption of a government official who currently serves in Tinubu’s administration. On July 23, the DSS arrested one Aliyu Sanusi in Sama Road of Sokoto, the state capital for printing and distributing materials ahead of the #EndBadGovernanceProtest. Even the arrest and release of the former BBC Pidgin Editor and current West Africa Regional Editor of the Conversation, Adejuwon Soyinka, clearly shows a pattern, which objective is to intimidate journalists for speaking truth to this government.

“Now, the police have arrested Bristol Tamunobiefiri, who owns the PIDOM Nigeria blog on X, formerly Twitter. After detaining him for over two weeks, he was granted an administrative bail, which will be impossible to meet. This is despite the fact that the Appeal Court, in the case of EFCC V. Emem Uboh (2022) LPEIR – 57968 (CA) held that administrative bail is illegal. Bristol should, therefore, be arraigned in court immediately or released.”

Atiku advised Tinubu to take cases of human rights abuses seriously or Nigeria would remain at the risk of being slammed with sanctions which would prevent western powers from selling weapons, a development he argues could undermine Nigeria’s ability to tackle insecurity.

“Amnesty International still has a pending petition before the Foreign Committee of the US Congress against the sale of weapons to Nigeria due to human rights concerns in line with the Leahy Law. Tinubu would do well to curb these cases of rights abuses by law enforcement authorities who all report to him as commander-in-chief,” the former Vice President said.

Signed:
Phrank Shaibu
Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar
Vice President of Nigeria (1999-2007) and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (2023)
Abuja
25th August, 2024.

The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas or cooking gas has rising to N1,300/Kg this month, representing 8.3 per cent, month-on-month, MoM from N1,200 in July.

Similarly, the price of 5kg cooking gas has rising by 8.3 percent to N6,500 from N6,000 it was sold in July 2024.


Speaking to Vanguard, National President of the Nigeria Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers, NALPGAM, Mr. Olatunbosun Oladapo said, “We are aware of the recent increase as gas price is influenced by exchange rate but hopefully the price should drop by the end of the month and we will review and observe what the price will be for the month, but I can say currently the price is dropping gradually.”

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, latest report on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) Price Watch for July 2024 disclosed that the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder fell by 14.23 percent, MoM to N5,974.55 in July 2024 from N6,996.03 in June.

The report stated “On a year-on-year, YoY basis, this increased by 46.96 percent from N4,072.87 in July 2023. On state profile analysis, Borno state recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder with N7,088.59, followed by Yobe and Sokoto states with N6,935.50 and N6,750.00 respectively.

“On the other hand, Delta state recorded the lowest price with N5,392.86, followed by Zamfara and Kogi states with N5,431.25 and N5,560.63 respectively. In addition, analysis by zone showed that the North-East recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg Cylinder of cooking gas with N6,446.53, followed by the North-Central with N6,042.33 while the South South recorded the lowest with N5,654.04.”

The son of Sokoto district head who died in captivity on Tuesday has been released after the payment of ransom.

His elder brother, Surajo Isa, confirmed this to Daily Trust on Wednesday night.

He said the bandits collected N60 million and five motorcycles were given to bandits to secure their release.

“They came back from the bandits’ den around 8:30pm,” he said

He also confirmed that, their father who died in captivity was buried by his abductors.

“This is what our brother told us after his release,” he revealed.

Confirming the development, Hon. Aminu Boza, a member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, said Isa is currently receiving treatment at Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

“Unfortunately, they have buried the remains of the late emir in the bush. We learnt that the Emir was buried in the morning.

“The late Emir’s son, Alhaji Kabir Isa is currently receiving treatment at Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) Sokoto. It’s unfortunate that the Emir would be seen again.”

Daily Trust had reported how the District Head of Gatawa in Sokoto State, Isa Muhammad Bawa, was abducted alongside his son and brother 25 days ago.

However, news of his death broke on Wednesday. Multiple sources confirmed the development to our correspondent on Wednesday.

A resident of Gatawa, Mahe Mukhtar, said the death was confirmed by the office of the deceased and there was a condolence message from the member representing Isa-Sabon Birni federal constituency on the death.

Cousin of the victim, who is the Magajin Garin Sabon Birni, Shuaibu Gwanda Gobir, also confirmed his death to our reporter.

“It is true that Sarkin is dead. He died yesterday around 5:53pm,” he said

According to him, a prominent traditional ruler in Shinkafi called and informed them about his death.

“The traditional ruler sent someone to the bandits’ den to further negotiate the release of the monarch, his son and brother.

“Upon arrival, he saw the dead body of Sarkin lying on the ground. He then isolated himself from the bandits and called the traditional ruler that no money should be sent because Sarkin is dead.

“Our brothers and one of our uncles were about to go and deliver the money as well as the motorcycles demanded by the bandits but the traditional ruler asked us not to let them go because our monarch is dead,” he said

Terrorists Kill Sokoto Traditional Ruler Days After Appearing In Video To Plead For Government's Help

The Sarkin Gobir of Gatawa District in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Muhammad Bawa in Sokoto State has been brutally killed by bandits after being abducted, tortured, and dehumanised.

Idris4Peace, announced this tragic development via his social media handle on Wednesday afternoon stating that bandits released a harrowing video showing the leader pleading for his life and desperately appealing to the government for assistance.

The post read; “Sarkin Gobir, a traditional leader in Sokoto, was executed by deadly armed bandits after being abducted, tortured, and dehumanised.

“The bandits released a video showing the leader pleading for his life and appealing to the government for help.”

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters had reported that, Bawa, who was abducted by terrorists, has cried out for help in a new video released by the gunmen.

The Emir and his son were kidnapped in July at the Kwanar Maharba area while travelling from Sokoto to his home town, Sabon Birni, the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government of Sokoto State.

“The bandits on sighting the Emir’s vehicle, started shooting guns which resulted in the tires of the vehicle bursting, and the driver losing control of the car. This forced the car to suddenly stop,” Gobir, one of his sons had said.

“The bandits abducted the district head and his driver who happens to be his biological son.”

The abductors few days after the incident requested the sum of N1 billion as ransom for the release of the victims.

In the video released online, the monarch speaking in the Hausa language narrated how they were kidnapped by the terrorists.

He said their lives are in danger in the hands of their abductors, adding that they had been suffering in the forests where they are currently held.

Pleading for help, he urged the government to urgently come to their rescue.

Also in the video, one of the gunmen can be heard speaking in Hausa dictating to the victims what to say.

The Naira yesterday depreciated to N1, 600 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,590 per dollar last weekend.

However, the Naira appreciated to N1,579.22 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM. Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM fell to N1,579.22 per dollar from N1,579.89 per dollar last week Friday, indicating 67 kobo appreciation for the naira.

The volume of dollars traded in the market increased by 41.4 per cent to $162.99 million from $115.23 million traded last weekend. Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rate widened to N20.78 per dollar from N10.11 per dollar last week Friday.

The recent surge in the prices of beans and Agege bread, a cherished staple food for many low-income households in Lagos State, has left many vulnerable residents struggling to afford the once-affordable meal.

PUNCH Healthwise gathered that the sharp price hike turned a common delicacy into a luxury many could not afford, forcing difficult decisions on families across the city.

Some residents in Lagos who spoke with our correspondent lamented that the soaring prices of beans and Agege bread had disrupted their ability to maintain their usual diet.

They noted that what was previously a reliable and nutritious meal for them was no longer affordable, forcing them to seek less affordable alternatives or to cut back on other essential needs.

Beans, rich in protein and dietary fibre, have long been a primary source of nutrition for many Nigerians, especially in low-income communities.

Paired with Agege bread, a soft, stretchy loaf named after the Lagos suburb where it originated, the combination forms a filling and affordable meal that has sustained generations.

For decades, beans and Agege bread have been staples, providing sustenance and comfort to countless families in Lagos.

PUNCH Healthwise, however, discovered that the consistent price hikes have pushed these essential foods beyond the reach of many, raising concerns about the long-term impact on nutrition and public health.

Vulnerable Lagosians cry out

Some of the Lagosians who described the combination of beans and Agege bread as a cultural phenomenon lamented that many families struggle to adapt, finding it increasingly challenging to balance their budgets while trying to keep up with the rising expenses of basic food items.

For Mrs. Taiwo Ayanfowora, her family had to cut back on beans and Agege bread because of the daily increment in prices.

Ayanfowora, a mother of three told our correspondent that a derica of beans of N500 now sells for N2,300.

She lamented that with her husband’s income stagnant, the family had to prioritise their spending, leading to significant cuts in their food consumption.

The mother of three expressed concern about the health implications, especially for her children, who are no longer receiving adequate protein.

She noted that despite trying to find alternatives or buying smaller quantities, the high cost remains a significant burden.

Ayanfowora said attempts to find alternatives have proven futile because other protein sources are either equally expensive or out of reach.

While stressing that these substitutes are no match for the nourishing combination of beans and Agege bread, she revealed that her family now eats the combination only once in a while.

“My husband’s income has not increased, and we have to prioritise our spending. We’ve had to cut back on beans and Agege bread, and it is affecting our nutrition. My children always told me they want to eat bread and beans, but the price is out of reach.

“I have tried alternative sources, but they are not as affordable. I have even considered buying beans in smaller quantities, but it is still expensive.

“We all know how important beans are for children that are just growing up, I am worried about the health implications for my family. We are not eating as balanced a diet as we used to because of the current economic reality

“Beans and Agege bread were our go-to affordable options, and now they are out of reach,” she expressed.


A student, Tunji Uthman who claimed he was living on a tight budget, lamented that the price hikes have turned what was once a daily meal into an uncommon luxury.

Uthman noted that he has considered various alternatives, but they all come at a price he cannot afford.

He stated, “I used to buy beans and Agege bread every day, but now I can only afford it once a week.

“I have tried to find alternative sources of protein, but they are not affordable. I have even considered skipping meals, but I know that is not healthy.

“This is not just about me, many of my fellow students are facing the same challenges. We are not eating as healthy as we used to, and it is going to catch up with us eventually.

“I have heard some people say we should rely on our parents for support, but my parents are struggling too. They can’t afford to send me money every month.

“We need affordable food options for students like me. I am calling on the government to do something about the prices. We can’t keep living like this.”

Also, Rildwan Mujaideen told PUNCH Healthwise that he has been forced to cut back on his food expenses, which has had a noticeable impact on his health.

Mujaideen lamented that adjusting to the new reality has been difficult.

He expressed concern that despite his efforts, the price hikes have made it nearly impossible for him to maintain his previous standard of living.

He added, “I have had to cut back on my food expenses, and it is affecting my health. I am not eating as balanced a diet as I used to, and I can feel the difference.

“I have tried to adjust to the new prices, but it is hard. I have even considered moving out of Lagos to a place where food is cheaper, but I have my family here.

“I am not sure what the government is doing about the prices, but it needs to do something. We can’t keep living like this.

“I remember when beans and Agege bread were N50 and N20 respectively. Now you will need to buy like N600 bread with beans of N500. This is outrageous.

“The government needs to take responsibility and find a solution. I just hope something changes soon. We need affordable food options for our families.”

Mrs. Blessing Adeoye, who is also a widow, stated that since losing her husband to cancer last year, she has found it difficult to support her family.

She lamented that the continuous hike in the prices of beans and Agege bread has only added to her difficulties.

The widow claimed that due to financial constraints, she was forced to reduce food costs.

She explained, “I lost my husband last year, and since then, it has been a struggle to make ends meet. The prices of beans and Agege bread have made it even harder. I’m trying to raise my two children on my own, but it is getting impossible.

“I have had to cut back on our food expenses, and it is affecting our health. My children are not getting the nutrition they need.

“I have tried to find alternative sources of protein, but they are not affordable. I have even considered begging, but I don’t want to resort to that.”

Bread producers protest persistent hike in flour

Meanwhile, the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria in Lagos State on August 15, embarked on a protest to express displeasure at the hike in flour price despite the Federal Government’s waiver.

The association lamented that despite the recent approval of a duty-free importation waiver on wheat, maize, and other commodities, flour prices kept rising.

Speaking during the protest, the association’s chairman, Chief Ayoola Mathew, expressed concern over Nigerian millers’ failure to implement the waiver.

This, he argued, 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 the 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 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.”

Experts weigh in

Food experts told our correspondent that beans were highly valued for their nutritional benefits, offering a rich source of plant-based protein, fibre, and essential nutrients like folate, iron, and potassium.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, they noted that combining beans with other foods such as rice or bread could provide a complete protein profile, making them a versatile dietary choice.

Both experts agreed on the importance of consuming a variety of foods in the right proportions to meet nutritional needs.

A Chief Dietician, Olufunmilola Ogunmiluyi stressed that while beans can be gas-producing and may cause discomfort for some, they are rich in antioxidants which help combat cell damage and age-related diseases.

The food expert noted that beans are high in fibre, which benefits the digestive system and may reduce the risk of digestive cancers.

She stated, “Although, beans can be gas-producing and may cause discomfort for some people. Beans are also legumes that contain antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and fight disease and aging. The fibre and other nutrients benefit the digestive system and may even help prevent digestive cancers. Beans are plant protein food. Beans contain both carbohydrates and are also high in fibre.

“Beans are an inexpensive source of protein. Beans provide protein, fibre, folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium which are vitamins and minerals for proper growth and immune development. Beans contain both protein and carbohydrates, but the protein in beans is not a complete protein because it lacks one or more essential amino acids.

“However, when combined with other protein sources, such as rice, beans can provide all the essential amino acids needed for a complete protein, some people also prefer to eat beans with bread. Beans and toast is a breakfast tradition in the UK (it’s both adored and loathed) that has stood the test of time. In addition, heavy-duty workers in Nigeria prefer to eat beans and bread to give them a long time of hours before they feel hungry, they believe it makes their stomach full and bulky. Also, it saves spending on food throughout the day.

“Bread is a low-fat source of protein which is required by our bodies for growth, renewal and repair. Pairing bread with beans on toast is an excellent way to meet daily protein requirements. The eating demand for a specific food is affected by the time and money cost of this food is high, and the outcome of the high price of this food affects good health (this affects the reason to consume common food).”

On her part, a Registered Nutritionist, Mrs. Odunayo Babatunde suggested that there were viable alternatives to beans for those who may face challenges with availability or cost.

She explained that Tofu, derived from soya beans, and various nuts like cashews and groundnuts can serve as suitable substitutes.

“There may be no implications if their nutritional needs are met from other alternatives of beans. Alternatives like Tofu from soya beans(wara in Yoruba) and nuts like cashew nuts and groundnuts can be an alternative to beans.

“Beans mostly contain carbohydrates but are still rich in protein. It contains soluble fibre which helps the gut and aids digestion. It contains important amino acids but it is still important to combine beans with rice or corn to benefit from complete important amino acids.

“The best alternative as said earlier is to consume Tofu(wara), soya milk, nuts like cashew nuts, groundnuts, etc.

“It is advised that people eat healthy food. There are alternatives for foods that may be expensive or scarce at particular seasons. Therefore, individuals can consume these alternatives. The important thing is to eat food in the right quantity, Proportions (in terms of food classes) and different varieties.”

A former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, says the socioeconomic and political situations in the country have remained stagnant because of leadership deficit, concluding that the only way out is for “self-centred” leaders to give way.

He spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Saturday as Special Guest of Honour at the Leadership Empowerment International Conference, where 25 distinguished Nigerians were conferred with honorary Doctorate in leadership by a South Africa-based Immanuel Theology Institute International in affiliation with Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative Inc.

According to him, for Nigeria to progress from its present dilemma, the present crops of those he labelled “self-centred leaders” occupying offices at all levels of governance must loosen their hold on the country.


He said the country is presently plagued at all levels by a band of self-centred leaders who are deficit of knowledge, bereft of understanding and demonstrating a leadership style that does not see service as the centrepiece for development.

He challenged Nigerians to seek, by all means possible, an end to the culture of enthroning transactional leaders as against transformational leaders who will deliver good governance.

“There is no end to leadership and service to your community until you breathe the last. And you can never be too old to be a leader and to give something to the community in which you lead and serve as a leader, to serve your state, your country, the continent and the world,” he said

“And if you ask me in one word, what is the bane of Nigeria today? I will not think about it twice. I will say it is leadership. Leadership that is self-centred, leadership that is a deficit of knowledge and understanding and leadership that does not see service as the centrepiece of what leadership is all about.

“If we can get the leadership right, we will get all other things right. This is what LEIC is doing that is commendable and very good. We must encourage and inculcate good leadership into every level of our national life.”

Obasanjo commended the International Coordinator of Priesthood Leadership Development Initiative incorporated, Prof. Olusesi Obateye, and the President of the South Africa–based Institute, Prof. Van Den Berg Edward Alfred, for recognising and encouraging some Nigerians with leadership capacities.

Earlier, the International Coordinator of the organization, Prof. Olusesi Obateye, who spoke on the theme of the conference “Responsible and responsive leadership,” lamented the dearth of good leaders, saying it remains the bane of Nigeria’s under-development for almost 64 years after Independence.

Among those honoured with doctorate awards were three former Commissioners in Ogun State, Engr. Anthony Ojeshina, Hon. Kehinde Sogunle and Hon. Dele Obadina, as well as erstwhile State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Joju Fadairo and a former Director, Central Bank of Nigeria, Engr. Oluwatoyin Jokosenumi.

Bobloco:


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