₦airaland Forum

Prices of essential commodities like rice, flour, milk, beans, and spaghetti have crashed by over 40 per cent in Kano, following the Federal Government’s intervention.

The Chairman, of Singer Market, Junaidu Zakari, disclosed this while speaking to newsmen on Monday.

He explained that the government window gave importers opportunity to bring in some essential commodities like rice, cooking oil, and spaghetti, forcing the prices of commodities to reduce in Kano.

“There is no gainsaying that the credit truly must go to the Federal Government and indeed our marketers who adhered to the government policy of importing the stipulated commodities, making them available and resulting in the over 40 percent reduction of their prices,” he said.

Zakari noted that the removal of duties on about 43 items and the subsequent supplies of rice that were sold at N40,000 helped the marketers flood the markets .

He said rice, which was sold at about N120,000, now crashed to less than N80,000, and spaghetti which was sold at N20,000 is now selling at N14,000..

“Even flour that was sold at N90,000, is mow selling in the markets at about N70,000 while 50kg oil that was sold at almost a N100,000 is now selling at N70,000 while flour is now less than N70,000,” he added.

He said the problem they have is with sugar whose prices refused to come down but they are talking to the producers of Dangote and BUA sugar who are the major suppliers of the products.

Zakari also accused Master Bakers of refusing to reduce the prices of bread, though flour prices have been greatly reduced in all Kano markets.

“We have an association which engaged the Chairman of the Master Bakers but he told us that they can’t do otherwise because their association has only 20% of bread sellers while 80% are not their members, so they can’t control them,” he explained.

Zakari commended the Federal and Kano State Governments for ensuring that the prices of the essential commodities have greatly reduced.

Northern leaders have been divided over the possible re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Findings by Sunday PUNCH revealed that the once monolithic North is now split, with core northerners determinedto oust Tinubu in 2027, while northern minorities support his re-election.

Our correspondents noted that although core northerners complain about the President’s unfavourable disposition towards the region, minority groups argue that they have fared well under his administration.

The Middle Belt, southern Kadunaresidents, Hausa Christians of Northern Nigeria, and many natives of Plateau State have distanced themselves from the plot to unseat Tinubu.

However, core northerners, represented by various political, socio-cultural, and indigenous groups, insist that Tinubu does not deserve a second term.

The division among northern stakeholders is evident in social media exchanges between former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and a human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, who frequently express differing views on Tinubu’s approach to northern issues, particularly security.

The Arewa Consultative Forum, a key political and cultural association in Northern Nigeria, alongside several prominent northern figures, said the region could not be coerced into re-electing Tinubu.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH , the Secretary General of the group, Murtala Aliyu, stated that the forum remained nonpartisan and would not support or oppose any candidate.

The ACF was responding to a recent statement by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, who urged northern politicians with presidential ambitions to abandon their aspirations because Tinubu would serve for two terms.

“What we normally do at ACF is to highlight critical issues that the people should consider when choosing a candidate, irrespective of their political party. We do not involve ourselves in promoting or antagonising any candidate,” Aliyu said.

The League of Northern Democrats, a northern group comprising members of the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, vowed to support an alternative candidate in 2027. The spokesperson for the group, Ladan Salihu, said,

“We don’t have a personal agenda against Tinubu, but we believe his government has not delivered. The performance indicators do not add up to justify northern support.

“The government has not met expectations, and we in the North are not convinced he deserves another opportunity. Even those who voted for him are now filled with regret.

His administration has brought hardship, poverty and agony to the people. “No northerner with a conscience can claim to be impressed with Tinubu’s performance. He may have the best intentions, but the system he is working with is flawed and unsustainable. It cannot deliver on the promises he made to the North.

”Salihu also hinted at the possibility of a new political movement to field a northern candidate against Tinubu in 2027. “Yes, there is a possibility, because we are not convinced that this government can lift Nigeria out of its current predicament,” he said.

Similarly, the National Coalition of Northern Groups warned that the North would not vote for Tinubu if economic conditions did not improve. In an interview with Sunday PUNCH , the coalition president, Jamilu Charanchi, stated that the North, which holds the majority of votes, would not re-elect Tinubu if economic hardship persisted.

“It is the people who will decide who leads the country—there is no doubt about that. The North has a majority. It is up to President Tinubu to make the right decisions so that people will re-elect him.

If he continues on this path, I can tell you clearly that people will not vote for him,” he said. Urging Nigerians to vote wisely, Charanchi advised the electorate to choose leaders based on competence, capacity, integrity and adherence to the rule of law. He said,

“Nigerians should not allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians. They should vote based on merit and mobilise others to elect leaders who will lift the country out of its current crisis.”

Charanchi described Ganduje’s comment as troubling and disheartening, stating that it indicated the APC chairman was out of touch with reality.

“Is he satisfied with Nigeria’s failing economy? Does he believe these failures are acceptable or justified?” he asked.

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, had previously hinted at northern efforts to remove Tinubu in 2027. Lawal recently declared his intention to work with El-Rufai to prevent Tinubu’s re- election.

In an interview, Lawal blamed Tinubu’s economic policies for worsening poverty and hardship in Northern Nigeria.

“The North is seriously mobilising with a consensus that Bola Tinubu must step down in the 2027 election. There is no doubt about this consensus.

“I may not have always agreed with El-Rufai, but on this issue, I will join him to stop Tinubu from winning the 2027 election. If Tinubu wins, northern Nigeria will turn into one large refugee camp,” he said.

El-Rufai, on Monday, shared on his X handle an opinion by a chieftain of the party, Uche Diala, who warned that if Tinubu was not careful, he might face the same fate as former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2027 election.

The article stated, “I have read and heard the arrogant posturing and braggadocio by some people who I refer to as political rabble-rousers, but I get more worried each day as it keeps looking more and more like a movie we had seen before.

“May I remind some persons that, more than the performance or lack thereof of the President Goodluck Jonathan administration, it was his attitude, and that of people around him, towards the North that ultimately brought him down and by extension the PDP that had boasted that it would rule Nigeria for 60 years.”

El-Rufai himself had on his X handle criticised the APC, lamenting the lack of internal democracy and active party structures within the party.

He wrote “I no longer recognise the APC. No party organ has met in two years— no caucus, no NEC, nothing. You don’t even know if it is a one-man show; it’s a zero-man show.”

However, the Northern minorities distanced themselves from the plot to oust Tinubu.

One of the notable northern minority groups, the Middle Belt Forum, stated that the region had decided to support a southern presidency in 2027.

The MBF argued that the region had received a better deal under the current administration than under former President Muhammadu Buhari, despite prevailing economic hardships.

According to the MBF’s spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the Middle Belt has secured more political appointments at thenational level and more infrastructural projects than under the previous government.

Sunday PUNCH noted that Middle Belt indigenes in Tinubu’s administration include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume (Benue State), and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda (Plateau State).

“We are having a better deal under Bola Tinubu than under Buhari, even though we are all experiencing economic hardship like everyone else.

“The Middle Belt Forum, for sure, still stands for a southern presidency in 2027. So, it is up to President Tinubu to up his game to attract the Middle Belt when an alternative candidate emerges in 2027,” Binniyat said.

Similarly, indigenous Hausa Christians of Northern Nigeria dissociated themselves from the plot to remove Tinubu in 2027, stating that they would not be pressured into making a decision that could negatively impact the social well- being of their people.

According to the Christian group, Tinubu’s administration had demonstrated a commitment to addressing the insecurity that has plagued many northern states.

“All we want at the moment is inclusivity, as we have many qualified individuals and seasoned politicians capable of holding political office.

“Instead of calling for the President’s removal in 2027, we are urging him to consider some of our people for appointments, as we refuse to inherit anyone’s enemies,” said the National Chairman of the group, Daniel Musa.

Some indigenes of Plateau State also declared support for Tinubu’s second term. Speaking with Sunday PUNCH under the auspices of the Plateau Initiative for the Development and Advancement of the Natives in Jos, the indigenes acknowledged the President’s contributions to the development of their region. The association’sSecretary General, Dickson Auta, said,

“He (Tinubu) has indeed shown that he is a detribalised leader because he has been striving to spread developmental projects across every part of the country.

“Our people are only concerned about good governance, and if Mr President continues on this developmental path, I am sure our people will have no choice but to support his ambition in 2027 should he decide to run for a second term.

In fact, we are already supporting him.” Also, the Southern Kaduna People’s Union commended Tinubu for appointing individuals from Southern Kaduna to key positions.

A spokesperson for SOKAPU, Josiah Abraks, cited the appointment of Gen. Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Science, Kachia, as examples of the President’s inclusivity, which has benefited the people of Southern Kaduna.

“The southern part of Kaduna is willing to partner with whoever is ready to work with us to ensure our growth and development,” he added.

The Asagba of Asaba in Delta State, HRM Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge SAN, has banned the activities of ‘Eze-Nwanyi’ (female native doctors/goddesses) and other unregulated traditional practitioners.

The decision comes amid concerns that these groups are fueling criminal activities, including kidnappings and ritual-related crimes.

The palace maintained it was a decisive move to curb rising crime in Asaba and its environs.

The announcement follows reports linking native doctors and shrines in Asaba to the murder of an Anambra lawmaker, Justice Azuka, whose body was discovered on the Niger Bridge.

The Asagba, addressing a press conference, expressed grave concern over the situation, stating, “Anything that happens on this land affects us more than anyone else.

It is unacceptable that Asaba has become a hub for these nefarious activities. Consequently, we have decided to take proactive steps to restore peace and order.”

Ban on Female Native Doctors, Shrine Restrictions

The monarch emphasised that many of these practitioners are not of Asaba origin and have taken over the land with criminal motives.

“We have banned the activities of Eze-Nwanyi, who are not of Asaba extraction and are unknown to us. Their activities, I dare say, are nefarious.

“With the recent revelations linking an Anambra lawmaker’s murder to Asaba-based native doctors and shrines, it is clear that they are not just supporting ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ fraudsters but are also involved in kidnappings. From today, they are banned,” he declared.

Additionally, all native doctors operating in Asaba must now register and be regulated under the authority of the Otu-Ihaza, the legislative body of Asaba.

The monarch also restricted visits to the Onishe shrine, citing desecration concerns. “That place is being desecrated. People go there for all sorts of reasons. Henceforth, nobody, whether from Asaba or not, may visit the shrine without the approval of the Otu-Ihaza.”

Operation ‘Know Your Tenants

Highlighting the rapid and unmonitored influx of strangers into Asaba, the Asagba introduced Operation Know Your Tenants, mandating landlords to document and keep an inventory of their tenants.

“We do not even know who lives in Asaba anymore. Criminals see Asaba as a safe haven. We are now declaring Operation Know Your Tenants.

“Every landlord must have proper documentation of their tenants so that at any time, we can account for who resides where,” he added.

The monarch urged property owners to cooperate, warning that security measures would be tightened to identify and expel criminal elements.

Hotel Surveillance

Further, the palace will deploy a special task force to hotels across Asaba to inspect guest records.

“We will be going round hotels to check their guest lists. The palace is already collaborating with security agencies to ensure that those using hotels for criminal hideouts are exposed,” he asserted.

The Asagba reaffirmed his support for government efforts in tackling insecurity but stressed that traditional institutions must also take an active role in protecting their communities.

“We stand with the government at all times, but there comes a moment when we must be more proactive. Asaba must not become a breeding ground for crime,” he concluded.

The Association of Igbo Town Unions, ASITU, on Saturday, said it has written a petition to the United Nation, UN, and the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, against the Lagos state government over the alleged demolition of properties belonging to Igbo people in Ebute Ero Market in Lagos.

The ASITU’s National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, spoke to newsmen in Owerri, while reacting to reports of the destruction of the properties.

According to the ASITU’s statement, “The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) condemns in the strongest possible terms the ongoing, systematic demolition of lawfully acquired properties belonging to Igbo people in Lagos State.

The demolition of trading plazas belonging to Igbo businessmen at Ebute Ero Market in Lagos on Friday, February 14, 2025 by agents of the Lagos State Government amounts to a calculated expropriation of our people from their legitimate businesses. It represents an assault on justice, equality, and the fundamental principles of property rights.”

ASITU said they were angry because “Despite repeated appeals for fairness and adherence to the rule of law, the Lagos State Government has continued its brazen campaign of selective demolition, disproportionately targeting Igbo-owned properties under various pretexts.

It must be noted that the these buildings and businesses complexes being demolished were never illegally built. They all came into being through the authorization of this same government masterminding their destruction today.

“This anti-Igbo brigandage in Lagos is totally unacceptable and cannot be tolerated anymore, because it is reminiscent of the litany of injustices which our people have had to historically endure in Nigeria.”

It was part of their resolve that; “Given the failure of domestic institutions in Nigeria to address these grievances and rein in on the ravages levied against our hardworking patriots in Lagos, ASITU has formally petitioned the following international bodies to intervene and hold the Lagos State Government accountable for these atrocious acts:

“The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) – To investigate Lagos State’s actions as a violation of fundamental human rights, including the right to property, non-discrimination, and freedom from targeted dispossession.

“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) – To bring Nigeria to account under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the protection of property rights for all citizens without bias.

“⁠The ECOWAS Court of Justice – To seek legal redress for affected individuals whose rights have been violated in contravention of regional human rights standards. Also, the Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch – To document these abuses and amplify the plight of the Igbo people facing targeted property destruction.”

He continued by saying: “This is not just a legal battle—it is a fight for justice, dignity, and equal citizenship in a country that belongs to all Nigerians. We demand an immediate end to these discriminatory actions and full accountability from those responsible.

“ASITU, in view of the foregoing, reiterates its call on Ndigbo in the diaspora to embrace the Aku Ruo Ulo investment initiative, which aims at the gradual, seamless and steady repatriation of a portion of their investments to Igboland, so as to unleash the potential of our land and make it the oasis of prosperity in Nigeria.”

powerkey:
So it's clear now to all Nigerians that NNPCL refineries are not working at all. Apc government of scam

The said refineries of nnpcl are not working, they've scammed Nigeria again...

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has commended the Nigeria Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Obudu Cattle Ranch into a major hub for livestock and dairy production in Nigeria.

The governor who spoke through his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, during a courtesy visit by the Honorable Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, described the initiative as a welcome development.

He highlighted Obudu’s unique climate, rich biodiversity, and vast landmass as key advantages for large-scale livestock farming and dairy production.

Governor Otu emphasized that global economic shifts provide an opportunity for Nigeria to expand its agricultural exports and attract agrobusiness investments. He urged stakeholders to leverage agriculture as a key driver of economic growth, shifting from subsistence farming to large-scale commercial production.

“Nigeria’s economic future depends on our ability to fully harness our agricultural and livestock resources. Large-scale investments in agriculture will enhance food security, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange earnings,” he was quoted by Otu’s Chief Press Secretary, Gill Nsa.

Reaffirming Cross River State’s commitment to agricultural expansion, the governor cited the state’s thriving cocoa sector as an example of strategic investment in agriculture. He called for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors to attract investment and modernize the agricultural value chain.

“We seek increased investments in local communities to ensure that development is sustainable and inclusive. As international funding from institutions like the World Bank begins to support large-scale agricultural transformation, Cross River State must be a priority beneficiary,” he added.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, acknowledged Nigeria’s N33 trillion livestock industry, noting that it remains vastly underutilized.

He outlined the Federal Government’s strategy to modernize the sector, including improved livestock management systems, strengthened disease control measures, and expansion of rural infrastructure to support livestock farming.

Describing Obudu Cattle Ranch as a “low-hanging fruit” for the Federal Government’s ambitious livestock transformation agenda, the Minister reaffirmed that the ranch has the potential to become a major player in Nigeria’s beef and dairy industry.

He revealed that Nigeria has secured a $2.5 billion investment commitment from Brazilian investors, aimed at accelerating livestock sector innovation and expansion.

With the Federal Government’s renewed focus on agriculture and livestock development, the revitalization of Obudu Cattle Ranch is said to presents a unique opportunity for economic transformation in the state.

The Managing Director of the Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Alhaji Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, has said that the recent allocation of N150 billion in the 2025 Appropriation Bill for the construction of a railway line in Kano City is a testament to the President’s commitment to driving growth and development across the nation.

According to him, “This ambitious project is poised to revolutionise transportation in Kano city, enhancing connectivity, facilitating trade, and boosting economic growth.”

Making this known on Friday in Kano, Alhaji Bichi added, “The railway line will not only improve the quality of life for residents but also position Kano as a hub for commerce and industry.”

“As we celebrate another milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards progress, we extend our sincerest gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership,” he said.

Alhaji Bichi said President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a clear focus on infrastructure development, as evident from the 2025 budget’s emphasis on revitalising hospitals and investing in healthcare infrastructure.

He emphasised that “the allocation for the Kano railway line is a significant addition to these efforts, showcasing the government’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape.”

“As we applaud this milestone, we acknowledge the President’s efforts to stimulate economic recovery and growth.

The 2025 budget’s projections of generating 18.32 trillion Naira in revenue and setting total government expenditure at 27.50 trillion Naira demonstrate a clear vision for Nigeria’s fiscal future.”

His words: “I must also acknowledge the untiring efforts of our member representing the Bichi Federal constituency, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, popularly known as Abba, in bringing unprecedented developmental projects in both physical and social infrastructure.”

He added that the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s contributions to the growth of the nation and stability of the political landscape have continued to inspire us to work more for the development of our people and the nation.

“Your tenacity to provide modern transportation hubs in Kano by purchasing 100 high-capacity buses and a light rail project which you pursued at the Federal level has yielded the desired result.

Once again, we express our deepest gratitude to President Tinubu for this groundbreaking initiative. We look forward to witnessing the transformative impact of the Kano railway line on the city and its people.”

Putindbutt:
I am very disappointed in Soludo budgeting 15billion for hotel and 195million for health centers.

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has confirmed that pensioners in Oyo State are the highest paid in the country. This was disclosed during a thank-you visit to the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, at Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, on Thursday.

The pensioners, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State Council, stated that the review has made Oyo State pensioners the highest-paid state pensioners in the federation.

Similarly, the NUP South-West Zonal Council also commended Governor Makinde for the review of pensions, which led to the payment of N25,000 as a minimum pension to the least-paid pensioner, the inclusion of the 33 percent pension increase of 2010, the consequential adjustment of 2019, a 20 percent pension increase, and part of the N32,000 minimum wage across the board for Oyo State pensioners.

The South-West NUP, in a letter dated February 12, 2025, and signed by its chairman, Comrade Waidi Oloyede, and secretary, Comrade Sunday Akin, expressed gratitude to the governor.

Speaking at the appreciation rally, the Secretary of the NUP, Oyo State Council, Comrade Olusegun Abatan, in a speech titled “Resurrected Pensioners in Oyo State Appreciate Engr. Seyi Makinde,” praised the governor for transforming the plight of pensioners.

He stated that the governor started on a strong note upon assuming office in 2019 by paying gratuities that had been “criminally held down for a whole eight years,” ensuring pension payments on the 25th of every month, and culminating these efforts with the latest pension review after all previous pleas to past administrations had failed.

He said: “For 16 years before you took over the mantle of government in Oyo State, pensioners had no government that was sympathetic and empathetic to their plight. Gratuities were not paid as and when due, pensions were withheld or paid in installments, and all appeals to the government fell on deaf ears, resulting in the massive deaths of our members.

“At one point, Oyo State pensioners were referred to as dead people, and in actual fact, we were dying like fowls afflicted by Newcastle disease. When you contested for the first term, we just wanted anyone who could liberate us from the shackles of death, and we voted en masse for you. We did the same when you sought re-election.

“You have not disappointed us. Our pensions became regular, and you began paying our gratuities that had been criminally withheld for eight years because we were allegedly accused of not voting for them.

“During those locust years, the extant provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which stipulated that pensions should be increased, were completely disregarded by past administrations.

“As a result, some of our members were earning between N350 and N1,000 as monthly pensions. All our pleas to those in power fell on deaf ears.

“The only relief we had was a token review of pensions 18 years ago, with pension increases between 2007 and 2019 ignored by past governors. When you became governor, our union began pushing for the implementation of pension increases, and you took time to widely consult on how to go about reviewing the stagnant pensions.

“We know that all decisions ultimately rest on your table, and because we know you are kind, humane, and compassionate toward pensioners, our letter to you struck a chord. This led to your approval that the least-paid pensioners in Oyo State should now earn N25,000 per month.

“You didn’t stop there. You directed that all pension increases since 2007 be factored into the pensions of affected pensioners, leading to an unprecedented pension increase for our members. This increase is historic in the annals of pension review in Oyo State and the first of its kind in the entire federation.”

In response, Governor Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, assured that his administration remains committed to the welfare of pensioners and improving their standard of living.

The governor commended the pensioners and their leadership for showing gratitude to his administration, noting that his government understands the importance of prioritizing the welfare of pensioners who dedicated 35 years of their lives to the state’s development.

He recalled that in 2019, the gratuities and pension arrears owed by past administrations amounted to about N61 billion.

However, his government has managed to offset a significant portion of the debt and pledged to clear the remaining balance before the end of his second tenure in May 2027.

BloomingDale:
They not like us.

Ojuntana:
This is shameful

Our quota was once 2.3m before the calamity called APC occurred

Now we're even struggling to do 1.5m by counting condensate

And Lokpobiri should stay off Heineken pls

Which magic will double production in a year? APC and the spirit of lies sha

Nigeria’s crude oil production has reached a significant milestone, as the country recorded an average daily output of 1.53 million barrels per day (bpd) in January 2025, according to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

For the first time since the production quota was set at 1.5 million bpd in November 2023, Nigeria has successfully met the target, marking a crucial moment for Africa’s largest oil producer.

OPEC’s latest Monthly Oil Market Report, released on Wednesday, revealed that Nigeria’s January output represents a 54,000 bpd (3.6%) increase from 1.48 million bpd in December 2024. With this surge, Nigeria has retained its position as Africa’s leading oil producer, outpacing Algeria, which recorded 907,000 bpd.

Meanwhile, Congo produced 251,000 bpd, securing its spot as the continent’s third-largest producer.

However, data from secondary sources tell a slightly different story. According to independent energy intelligence platforms, Nigeria’s crude production actually declined by 2% in January, falling from 1.52 million bpd in December to 1.49 million bpd.

The report also provided insights into OPEC’s broader crude production trends. Overall, OPEC-12 crude production averaged 40.62 million bpd in January, reflecting a month-on-month drop of 118,000 bpd.

While oil output increased in Libya, Congo, and Gabon, it declined significantly in Nigeria, the UAE, and Venezuela.

Outside the cartel, non-OPEC crude production stood at 13.94 million bpd, with Kazakhstan seeing an increase while Russia’s production declined.

OPEC expressed optimism about Nigeria’s oil sector, pointing to the Dangote Refinery as a potential game-changer for the industry.

“The oil sector remains central to the economy, and the Dangote Refinery reaching full production capacity should help stabilize the petroleum product supply and possibly lower petrol prices,” the report stated.

On February 10, Edwin Devakumar, Vice-President of Dangote Industries Limited, told Reuters that the refinery could hit full capacity within 30 days. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to process 650,000 barrels of crude per day, exceeding local demand for petroleum products.

The federal government, led by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has set an ambitious target to increase crude oil production to three million bpd by 2025.