₦airaland Forum

Recall that the commission on Sunday increased the fare for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91 while setting a deadline of March 28, 2024.

Nigerian Muslim pilgrims who had earlier paid for a trip to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj have started demanding for refund after the country’s Hajj Commission instructed them to pay another N1.9million.

Recall that the commission on Sunday increased the fare for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91 while setting a deadline of March 28, 2024.

It had in December 2023 fixed a fare of N4.9million per pilgrim based on an exchange rate of N897 to a dollar.

However, in its recent announcement on Sunday, the commission asked those who had paid the initial amount to add N1.9million, raising the total amount to N6.8million.

The announcement, however, surprised potential pilgrims, the bulk of whom had begun contacting their pilgrims' boards to request a refund of the N4.9million deposit, according to Daily Trust.

According to pilgrims boards across the North and South of the country, only a few intending pilgrims have begun topping up, while many intended pilgrims have requested a refund because they cannot afford the remaining N1.9million.

However, expressing concern, an intending pilgrim, Mustapha Ahmad based in Kano, said while he envisaged going to hajj even once in his lifetime, he got the opportunity this time around through a loved one whom he could not go back to with the news of increment.

The case is almost the same with Hafsat Yusuf, who got involved with colleagues to raise her hajj fare.

She said: “I am even speechless, we are waiting for the Kano Pilgrims’ Board to announce their own increment but I don’t know how to go about it.

“I spent almost a year saving into contributions with friends. I received mine, sold a plot of land and paid for hajj. Now, what am I going to sell again or where would I go to get money to pay the balance? God will provide but we are in a state of confusion and only God knows how many of us could be able to afford the increment.”

Another intending pilgrim from the state, Hajiya Rakiya Abubakar, said she could not sleep when she heard the news about the increment of hajj fares.

“When I heard the news of the increment, I couldn’t sleep. I am thinking of where to find the money to complete the payment. This is incredible,” Rakiya said.

In Kwara and Lagos State, sources at the pilgrims’ boards in these states said many people have turned up to seek a refund, saying they would not be able to raise the balance.

“As I am talking to you, not more than 50 people have turned up to pay the balance today and we have just two days after today (Monday) for intending pilgrims to complete the money,” a source told Daily Trust.

One of the intending pilgrims, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “All along I have been praying that NAHCON would not announce an increment in fare but alas, this is a bitter pill to swallow, I doubt if I would still be able to go.”

Nwachukwu said the slain soldiers would be laid to rest at the National Cemetery, Abuja, at 3 pm.

The burial of 17 soldiers recently killed in Okuama Community in Delta State has been scheduled for Wednesday, March 27, 2024.

This was announced in a statement by Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu would be the Special Guest of Honour at the event.

Nwachukwu said the slain soldiers would be laid to rest at the National Cemetery, Abuja, at 3 pm.

It would be recalled that the troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion were killed in an ambush while on a mission in Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

The military has reported they were on a “peaceful and mediatory mission” in response to a reported communal clash between the community and Okoloba in Bomadi LGA of Delta.

The Nigerian Army is not fond of publicly disclosing the identity of fallen personnel, especially in the case of mass casualties, but it made an exception for the Okuama victims in a publication on Monday, March 18.

You’ll also recall that following the incident, the president in his reaction to the attack granted “full authority” to the military to bring anybody found to have been responsible for the attack to justice.

In a separate statement earlier on Monday, Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said efforts are ongoing to carry out the directive.

“Troops are determined to get to these criminals, there is certainly no hiding place for them,” he said.

yarimo:
if you are a criminal repent immediately before army flush you out

yarimo:
All criminals must be kill any where in Nigeria

Efna55:
https://saharareporters.com/2024/03/18/breaking-nigerian-army-troops-invade-bayelsa-community-burn-houses-11-residents-killed


Unverified, but I saw these from a friend's whatsapp status..

Retaliation creeps into Bayelsa State with over 40 civilians killed in Igbomotoru community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Reports has it that nobody moves in or out of the community since yesterday and today.. Mass killing ongoing.

Save Igbomotoru community the people cries out"..

The report added that the most vulnerable victims would be residents of the Northwest and the Northeast regions of the country.

A report recently published by SB Morgen Intelligence has predicted that over 26 million Nigerians will experience acute food scarcity between the period of June and August 2024.

The report added that the most vulnerable victims would be residents of the Northwest and the Northeast regions of the country.

The report reads: “Nearly 26.5 million people—approximately 11.5 percent of Nigeria’s estimated population—are likely to experience Crisis— Phase 3—or worse conditions of acute food insecurity during the peak of the country’s upcoming June-to-August 2024 lean season, the period when food is most scarce.

“This projection includes nearly 5.4 million people in Nigeria’s Northwest states of Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara and nearly 4.4 million people in the country’s Northeastern Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.”

According to the report, the predicted food scarcity is an effect of the escalating extortion tactics employed by bandits, particularly the imposition of pre-harvest fees on local farmers in the region, which has affected farmers’ productivity in recent times.

The report continued: “Unlike imposing a fixed rate, bandits charge levies based on harvest volume, increasing the financial burden on farmers striving to break even.

“This form of extortion, akin to taxation, hinges on territorial control. As bandits seek greater control of territories and revenue streams, they may instigate territorial disputes and clashes among themselves and with local communities and security forces.

“Consequently, farming, once a major source of livelihood for many villagers, risks losing its appeal due to heavy taxation. Many local farmers may abandon farming altogether in pursuit of alternative means of sustenance.

“This potential shift could embolden bandit groups to seize additional territory, further criminalising farming practices and jeopardising food security.”

Jackanda1:
What do you mean by loosing faith? You mean benny is an atheist now?

Maritime workers under the aegis of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) on Monday announced plans to join the 2-days nationwide protests by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

Speaking exclusively with the Nigerian Tribune on Monday, the President-General of MWUN, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju explained that the protests won’t affect Port operations.

“We will be joining the nationwide protests by the NLC tomorrow, but it won’t affect Port operations.

“We will just select some of our members to come and show solidarity. We won’t be shutting down port operations,” Comrade Adewale Adeyanju told the Nigerian Tribune exclusively.

The Union, earlier on Monday had issued a statement signed by the Unions Head of Media, Comrade John Kennedy Ikemefuna, that it is joining the NLC strike as an affiliate group of the Congress.

According to the MWUN, “The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) under the leadership of Comrade (Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, will join the Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC) 2-Day Nationwide Protest holding on the 27-28th, ( Tuesday and Wednesday) of February, 2024, as directed by the Congress after its NEC-In-Session rose from a meeting held today 26, Monday, February 2024 in Abuja, directing all its affiliate members across the nation to strictly comply.

“The protest is coming on the backdrop of the Federal government’s refusal to honour the “October 2, 2023 Agreement signed with the Congress.

“However, the Congress believes that if the Agreement had been honoured and implemented, it would have gone a long way to ameliorate the sufferings and hardships the government ill-conceived and ill-implemented policies have brought upon Nigerian Workers and the citizenry of the Country.

“In view of this, MWUN as an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress would in totality comply with the NLC directive.”

The Federal Government on Monday said it would extend its social security payments net to graduates with qualifications from NCE and upwards.

Addressing journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun, disclosed that the programme would see unemployed Nigerian youths being paid stipends.

“At this period of heightened food prices, Mr. President has committed to doing all that can be done to assist in giving purchasing power to the poorest and in that line.

“He has committed and instructed that the Social Security unemployment programme be devised, particularly to cater for the youth, for the unemployed graduates, as well as the society as a whole.

“So, we have coming, in the nearest future, an unemployment benefit for the young unemployed, in particular,” the Minister announced.

Similarly, Edun said the FG will urgently establish a consumer credit scheme to alleviate the pains of economic adjustment.

He explained that the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, will lead a committee that includes the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Attorney-General of the Federation and himself, the Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

“There is coming a social consumer credit programme. By making consumer credit available, goods become more affordable, the economy even gets a chance to revive faster, because people have purchasing power that allows them to order goods, products,” he stated.

Edun also spoke on the review implemented by the Special Presidential panel on the National Social Investment Programme, which has submitted a preliminary report to the president.

He noted that the president gave the highlights to the Council meeting noting that what was done was “a review of the existing mechanisms, a review of the existing programmes, and where there have been successes, such as the 400,000 beneficiaries of the GEEP programme.”

He added, “So, the direct payments to 12 million households comprising 60 million Nigerians is to resume immediately with the important proviso that every beneficiary will be identified by their national identity number and the bank verification number.

“Therefore, payments will be made into bank accounts or mobile money wallets. So, that whether it is before or after, there is verification of the identity of beneficiaries.

“Each person that receives 25,000 Naira for a total of three months will be identifiable, even after they have received the money, it will be clear who it went to and when it went to them. And that is the big change that has allowed Mr. president to approve the restart of that direct payments to beneficiaries programme.”

On his part, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijjani, explained that beneficiaries would be vetted through their Bank Verification Number and National Identity Numbers to avoid multiple payouts to one individual.

He said, “One of the initial moves that we’re making is leveraging the existing dataset that we have on our people. As you know, the BVN is well known to be extremely credible. NIN on the other side, which is now the most popular data identity system for Nigerians, is also to a largest and credible, and it covers quite a significant number of people as well.

“And what we’re looking to do here is the triangulation of this data set to ensure that not only are we using the register that has been properly populated, but that we also do proper verification of every individual that will benefit from that social investment programme, which means we will get commitment to ensuring that no one is paid twice, because you have to be properly IDed before you can benefit from that programme.”

Kobojunkie:
The politics of Church business...na the gullible followers wey suppose don see say none of these exude Jesus Christ and are most likely not even born-again but refuse to give in to reason, na dem i just dey look.

There is currently a rising rumble within the camp of the Redeem Christian Church of God, RCCG, and if not amicably settled things may tear apart as contained in the book of Chinua Achebe.

From a reliable source, there is a cold war, presently between the led-Pastor and General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, and the RCCG Pastor in charge of the City of David, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade.

Pastor Adeboye was claimed to have allegedly directed RCCG City of David Pastor Iluyomade to resign his position as the lead pastor of the RCCG church branch. Unexpectedly, Pastor Iluyomade was claimed to have grossly refuted the directive with displeasure.

Aside from being the Pastor of RCCG Region 20, City of David, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade is also the Special Assistant to the RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Adeboye, on Christian Social Responsibility (CSR).

However, the springing difference between Pastor Adeboye and his right-hand man, Pastor Iluyomade, could not be unconnected to the recent events that surrounded the death of the Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO) of Access Holdings Plc, Herbert Wigwe.

Recall that Herbert Wigwe died recently in America in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, and business partner. Wigwe has been a member of the RCCG, worships with the City of David branch, and is a very high financial contributor to the church.

Following the death of Wigwe, his family had shockingly directed RCCG to never attempt to come near his burial service even though Wigwe had contributed billions of naira to the developments of the church.

The decision of the family could have been influenced by a lavish birthday ceremony organized by Pastor Iluyomade for his wife, even a few days after Wigwe’s death.

Pastor Adeboye’s alleged directive requesting Pastor Iluyomade’s resignation as RCCG City of David Pastor is to calm the atmosphere and appease the family of Wigwe who had been infuriated by Pastor Siju Iluyomade’s flamboyant birthday party, a few days after the biggest benefactor of the church, Wigwe, died.

The Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Mr Dalha Wada-Chedi has handed over the officer alleged to have extorted N500,000.00 from a car buyer, Muhammad Ahmad, to the Customs Police Unit.


The suspected officer, who was alleged to have committed the offence along Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger, was on Monday handed over to the Assistant Provost Marshal (APM) of the unit in Kaduna.

Wada-Chedi said that the unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday as reported by the complainant.

The comptroller said, “Upon hearing the alleged unfortunate incident, I directed the Police Unit in the Zone that is responsible for enforcing discipline in the Service to apprehend the Officer and move him to the Unit’s Headquarters here in Kaduna for further interrogation.

“Also, the complainant was invited to assist in the investigation as well.

“The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi and his management team frowned at such unruly behavior as such the disciplinary committee will be diligent and firm.

“In fact, the service is very pragmatic and practical in disciplinary cases and this one will not be an exception.”

According to Wada-Chedi, the suspected officer was handed over to the APM Customs Police Unit for further investigation.

He added, “The Officer is hereby handed over for discreet investigation and the findings of the investigation will be transmitted to NCS-HQ for further action by the Nigeria Customs Service Board.

“It is the only body that handles the Appointment, Promotions and Discipline of all Senior Officers of the Service.

“This unprofessional and ungodly act will not be condoned.

” A thorough investigation has just commenced by this handing over to unravel the facts surrounding the allegation and the outcome shall be made public to serve as a deterrent to others.

“We are deeply concerned and we assure the general public that the matter will be treated with the deserved vigour, decisiveness and transparency”.

Wada-Chedi assured the public that the unit would give routine updates as the investigation progresses.

The comptroller promised that the investigation would be concluded as soon as possible, adding, “justice and fair hearing will be ensured.”

While appreciating the understanding and usual support of the public, he said, “I am humbly urging the public not to relent in rendering such invaluable support to us.”

The National Association of Nigeria Students has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress to shelve its planned strike and focus on prioritising national development.

It appealed to the NLC to shun the path of strike action and explore alternative avenues to resolve disputes with the Federal Government.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, had insisted in a statement on Sunday that a protest would be held on Tuesday and Wednesday as planned over the current economic hardship in the country.

On February 16, the NLC announced the nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday over the alleged government’s failure to implement agreements reached between both parties on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

The decision followed the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to implement measures against economic hardship.

But the NANS Senate President, Akinteye Babatunde in an address on Monday while acknowledging the legitimate grievances of the workers and the need for improved working conditions, expressed concerns about the potential repercussions of the protest on academic activities and the overall welfare of citizens.


“We are appealing to the NLC to reconsider their decision and prioritise collaboration with the government for the greater good of the nation.

“We believe that dialogue and constructive engagement are essential for addressing grievances and achieving meaningful progress in improving the welfare of workers and citizens alike.

“The looming threat of a strike poses a significant risk of further exacerbating the economic challenges facing the nation and disrupting the lives of ordinary citizens, including students,” he said.


NANS stated that the impact of the strike action on academic activities would be devastating, particularly for students, who are already grappling with various challenges within the educational system, adding that “disruptions to academic calendars, examinations, and other educational activities could derail the progress of students and exacerbate the already precarious situation in the education sector.”

Babatunde added that the apex student body was ready to support the NLC in its advocacy efforts in dialogue with the government to address challenges facing its workers.

“We appeal to the NLC to prioritise the national interest above all else and seek common ground with the government to ensure the well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians,” he stated.

Qatar said in the leaked letter that the rejection of President Tinubu’s request for visitation for the business and investment forum was due to the lack of a legally binding agreement between the country and Nigeria for the promotion of investment.

A former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke II, has demanded an investigation to determine the source and intent of the leaked letter from the government of Qatar rejecting President Bola Tinubu’s to visit the country for a business and investment meeting.



SaharaReporters on Saturday reported that the Qatari authorities in a letter sent to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, February 22, said that the Middle East country would not be able to welcome President Tinubu and hold the proposed forum intended to hold on March 2 and 3.



Qatar said in the leaked letter that the rejection of President Tinubu’s request for visitation for the business and investment forum was due to the lack of a legally binding agreement between the country and Nigeria for the promotion of investment.


The country in the letter further noted that its Ministry of Commerce had other commitments on the days that President Tinubu desired to visit.

However, in a letter dated February 23, 2024, the Qatar government made a U-turn and said it had approved President Tinubu’s visit request, noting that the President’s meeting with the Qatar Chamber of Commerce would be on March 3.

Reacting to the development, Nweke in a statement issued on Sunday, titled ‘The Qatari Note Verbale: Nigeria’s latest Diplomatic Debacle’, said that the correspondence between the Qatar embassy in Nigeria and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is embarrassing and an insult to Nigeria as a country.

He said, “As a Nigerian, I find the correspondence between the embassy of Qatar in Nigeria and Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently circulating online, embarrassing. It is an insult to our nation.

“Relevant authorities should investigate the source and intent of this leak and take steps to ensure that it does not happen again.


“There is no contesting that our government has a responsibility to manage our national affairs with savvy, reflecting deep knowledge and understanding of diplomatic protocols and norms, it is however impolitic for any nation to disrespect a purportedly ‘friendly’ nation through its communication, or any other channel for that matter, in the way that Qatar has done, however muted the attempt.

“I call on Nigerians who think that this act of ridicule against our nation is justified and worthy of celebration to have a rethink. It is not. It is indeed very disrespectful to our nation and people.”

The former minister said, “Being outside the government, we may never know the full facts, but the tone and use of language in the circulating document, however factual, is most discourteous and calculated to undermine Nigeria’s image.


“Every part of our government is important for the efficient functioning of the whole, however our Ministry of Foreign Affairs like that of other countries is a critical Ministry, especially because it is front-facing, with the responsibility to shape and lead our engagement with the world.

“Nations use their Foreign Service Ministry to project hard and soft power, economic development, their people and their cultures. It is for this reason that most nations make significant investments and spare no expense in training members of their diplomatic service.

“Once upon a time, the Nigerian nation and her diplomats were highly revered in the world for the quality of their minds and overall impact of Nigeria’s foreign policy in global affairs.

“Their well-informed policy thrusts were the basis of Nigeria’s successes at various times in the past in South Africa, Mozambique, Sudan, Ethiopia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Burkina Faso and São Tomé and Principe to name a few; and in many peace negotiations and peacekeeping efforts around the world.



“The Foreign Service Academy and the Nigeria Institute for International Affairs, and similar elite institutions abroad, were created to meet the training needs of our diplomats and also carry on research on contemporary issues in Africa and the world.

“It was the outcome of various research and the thought leadership provided by leading diplomats and scholars in these institutions that underpinned Nigeria’s foreign policy which though focused on Africa helped Nigeria project considerable power in global affairs.

“This Note Verbale incident, in addition to a series of others before now which portray our country in poor light, is one too many. There is a saying in my Igbo dialect which translates to ‘If an old woman falls more than once, it is usually advised to count the number of items in the basket she is carrying on her head’.

“High level engagements between Nigeria’s Sovereign and others are so important that there should be absolutely no room for errors.”

He said that the reason or basis for President Tinubu's meeting or visiting Qatar must be clear and free of ambiguity.

He said, “The agenda must be agreed and finalised, usually after extensive consultations between officials of both countries. Unless there is a crisis, requiring urgent meetings, State visits are not vacations.

“They are sometimes planned years in advance and governments must prepare to make the best of the visit to enhance trade, bilateral and other relations in education, culture, science and technology, depending on a country’s interests. The nature of the meeting will also determine the composition and membership of the delegation.

“An important role for Nigeria’s representatives in potential host countries is a keen understanding of the cultural norms and gestures with detailed briefing provided to guide Mr President. That is how detailed the planning must be.



“Communication of the intent, purpose, resolutions and outcomes of a visit or meeting is critical; it must be factual and verifiable at every stage, issued at the appropriate level, only, by an authorized official.


“It is not the duty of your host to make your country look good by keeping mute, if out of excitement, inexperience or incompetence your officials mis-state resolutions reached at meetings.

“Competent officials of host countries are accountable to their principals and citizens and will issue their own statements based on their own understanding of what transpired at a meeting between two or more sovereigns. This was the case when President Tinubu visited the United Arab Emirates some months ago.

“Such slips, however freudian, have the potential to undermine otherwise important gains from high level meetings and engender a crisis of confidence.

“With the state of our economy and the considerable security challenges Nigeria is faced with at this time, every trip outside the country must be one that will bring obvious benefits to our troubled economy.


“The offensive note verbale from the Qataris is tantamount to someone accepting your request to visit his or her home while telling you at the same time that they won’t be home.

“If the Qatari Minister for Trade and indeed the Qatari business community and economic actors will otherwise be engaged with others on matters of similar interest to ours at the time of Mr President’s visit and communicate in the way that they have done, that in itself is a strong message of Nigeria’s standing with the government and people of Qatar. Actions are also important tools of diplomacy.

“I anticipate a serious review of this situation by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his offer of dispassionate advice to Mr President to postpone this visit to enable proper planning in order for Nigeria to obtain the best outcomes from the visit, at a future date.


“I must however call on our government to get its acts together. The discourtesy and disrespect to our government and citizens around the world is on account of the perception of our country at this time, as weak, disorganized and corrupt.

“Respect can neither be conjured nor decreed. It can only be earned, especially in the international arena through hard work - good governance at home, a strong economy and people centered development, a secure and stable polity, respect for human rights and the rule of law, a manifest abhorrence for corruption and consistent respect for international laws and fulfillment of legitimate international obligations.


“As we secure our country and rebuild our economy, perception of Nigeria’s circumstances will change based on reality, countries will naturally become more circumspect in their engagement with our government and respect for our passport and our people will grow.”

At least 15 civilians were killed and two others injured during a “terrorist” attack on a Catholic church during Sunday mass in northern Burkina Faso, a senior church official said.

“We bring to your attention a terrorist attack which the Catholic community of Essakane village was the victim of today, February 25, while they were gathered for Sunday prayer,” the vicar of the Dori diocese, Jean-Pierre Sawadogo, said in a statement sent to AFP.

The provisional toll was 15 killed and two wounded, he added.

Calling for peace and security in Burkina Faso, Sawadogo denounced “those who continue to wreak death and desolation in our country”.

Essakane village, where the attack took place, is in what is known as the “three borders” zone in the northeast of the country, near the common borders of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

This is just the latest in a series of atrocities blamed on jihadist groups active in the region, some of which have targeted Christian churches while others have involved the abduction of clergy.

Burkina Faso is part of the vast Sahel region, which has been locked in a battle against rising violent extremism since Libya’s civil war in 2011, followed by an Islamist takeover of northern Mali in 2012.

The jihadist insurgency spilled over into Burkina Faso and Niger from 2015.

When Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in 2022, it was the country’s second coup in less than a year — both triggered in part by discontent at the government’s failures to quell the jihadist violence.

Around 20,000 people in Burkina Faso have been killed in that violence, while over two million have been displaced.

AFP

alizma:
It's already 800 in PH

The meeting between the Federal Government, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners( NARTO), and other stakeholders over the suspension of operations by NARTO members over the lifting of petroleum products has ended with no agreement reached.

But the Minister of State for Petroleum Heineken Lokpobiri said the engagement will continue on Tuesday as the government would not fold its arms and allow Nigerians to go through more hardship as being witnessed.

He explained that the Tinubu-led administration is working round the clock to address the current economic challenges in the country.

There are indications that the NARTO leadership and other stakeholders within the oil and gas sector are billed to meet with the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu for another meeting later on Monday night to avert the imminent fuel scarcity.

Independent marketers had expressed worry over the continued crash of the naira against the United States dollar, as they stressed that the development could force the non-subsidised pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called petrol to hit N1,500/litre in the coming days.