News

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the recent hike in fuel prices, and accused the government of deepening poverty and unemployment across the country. 

The NLC expressed its displeasure in a statement titled, “What Next After Increase In Pump Price?” issued on Wednesday by the union’s National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. 

This reaction followed the latest move by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to increase the fuel price to ₦1030 per litre, just one month after a previous hike to over ₦850 per litre. 

“We are dismayed by the latest increase in the pump price of petrol. It looks like the only thing this government is known for is increase in the pump price of petrol without commensurate capacity of Nigerians or mitigatory measures,” Ajaero stated.

He also criticised the government for failing to provide a comprehensive strategy for economic growth and development, calling instead for a reversal of the price hike. 

Challenging the logic behind the decision, the NLC noted, “Even following the logic of market forces, we find it an aberration that a private company (NNPCL) is the one fixing prices and projecting itself as a hegemonic monopoly.” 

The NLC warned that the price hike would further impoverish Nigerians, increase job losses, and reduce production capacity across industries.

“It will further deepen poverty as production capacities dip, more jobs lost with multidimensional negative effects,” the statement read.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a renowned paediatrician with a distinguished career in public health and former First Lady of Kebbi State, on her election as President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

The President underscores the historic significance of Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s election on October 8 as the first African and the fifth woman to lead the global cancer control organisation.

The President notes that her election attests to her competence and character and affirms the enormous talents that abound in Nigeria.

President Tinubu describes Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ascension in the organisation as a landmark achievement and a testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in global health leadership.

President Tinubu recalls Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu’s invaluable services to Kebbi state and the country, for which Nigeria is deeply grateful. He lauds her stewardship as Chairperson of the First Ladies Cancer Initiative and her contributions to establishing the Kebbi State Strategic Plan for Cancer Control during her tenure as the First Lady of Kebbi State.

Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu founded the Medicaid Cancer Foundation. She is also a Senior Advisor to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare and Vice Chair of Nigeria’s National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination.

Through the Federal Ministry of Health and international partnerships, Nigeria has successfully vaccinated 12 million girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a leading cause of cervical cancer. The administration has allocated N37.4 billion to the Federal Ministry of Health’s Oncology Initiative.

This initiative will facilitate the establishment of six cancer centres across the country within two years, located in teaching hospitals in Benin, Zaria, Katsina, Enugu, Jos, and Lagos.

President Tinubu expresses confidence in Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu’s ability to use her new office and leadership to improve cancer control and global health.

The Geneva-based UICC was founded in 1933 and has more than 1100 member organisations in over 170 countries and territories.

By Uzair Adam

The Commander of the 3 Brigade in Kano, Brigadier General M.A. Sadiq, has been detained by military police in Abuja over allegations of diverting rice palliatives meant for soldiers and selling military equipment, including operational vehicles and generator sets, to scrap dealers.

According to sources, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters has distributed rice palliatives to soldiers in various brigades across the country on multiple occasions.

However, it is alleged that Brigadier General Sadiq provided only a 5kg bag of rice to the soldiers while selling the remaining supplies.

In addition to the rice diversion scandal, sources revealed that the embattled commander also allegedly sold equipment, including a MIKANO heavy-duty generator, from the Military Training Camp in Falgore, Kano, to scrap dealers.

Brigadier General Sadiq has been replaced by Brigadier General A.M. Tukur, the former registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

The detained officer is currently facing interrogation by the military police’s special investigation branch, and further investigations are underway. He is expected to face a court-martial once the probe is completed.

At the time of reporting, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, had not responded to inquiries.

By Uzair Adam

Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially launched the federal government’s new nutrition initiative, aimed at addressing malnutrition and food insecurity across Nigeria.

The programme, named the “Nutrition 774 Initiative,” is set to improve nutritional outcomes in all 774 local government areas of the country.

Shettima emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that every household in Nigeria has access to nutritious food, beyond just availability in stores and warehouses.

He noted that the initiative aims to eradicate malnutrition through a community-based approach that empowers local actors, such as health workers and community leaders, to take charge of nutritional improvements in their areas.

At a roundtable meeting with development partners, Shettima called for their collaboration to make the programme a success. He explained that addressing malnutrition requires collective efforts from all stakeholders, including the government and development organizations.

The initiative also focuses on training local health professionals to better equip them in handling malnutrition at the grassroots level. Despite recent floods and global inflation affecting food security, Shettima highlighted the need for innovative solutions that directly tackle these challenges.

Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, described the initiative as crucial in addressing malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations.

He stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach, integrating efforts from agriculture, health, water, sanitation, and social protection sectors to ensure the success of the programme.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has yesterday officially bade farewell to the 2023 Batch C National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who completed their one-year national service at the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) headquarters in Abuja. 

CGC Adeniyi, in a ceremony marked by a memorable passing-out parade, accompanied by senior officers, inspected the outgoing corps members as they displayed their final drill.

Adeniyi urged the corps members to uphold values like discipline, teamwork, and commitment.  

He said, “These are values you must carry with you into your professional lives.” 

He also praised the dedication and contributions of the corps members during their service year.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a public clarification regarding its earlier statement on Starlink’s subscription price hike, stating that it was released in error.

Initially, the NCC expressed surprise at Starlink’s announcement of new subscription rates in Nigeria, asserting that the company had not obtained regulatory approval for the price increase.

The Commission acknowledged that while Starlink had submitted a request for a price review, a decision had not yet been made.

The original statement also alluded to potential regulatory infractions under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.

However, the NCC now clarifies that the previous statement was premature and has urged all media outlets to retract any related publications.

Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, stated, “We request that all media platforms kindly withdraw the previously issued statement on Starlink’s price hike, as it was issued in error.”

He further asked those who published the statement to remove it from their platforms.

The NCC remains dedicated to ensuring regulatory stability and creating a favorable environment for investment in the telecommunications sector, especially as stakeholders continue to call for a review of tariffs to encourage further investment.

The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the media and apologizes for any confusion or inconvenience caused by the earlier release.

By Uzair Adam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the federal government will no longer provide subsidies for Hajj pilgrims starting in 2025.

In previous years, pilgrims benefited from a concessionary exchange rate offered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), allowing them to purchase dollars at a lower rate.

With the naira currently at N1,650 to the dollar, pilgrims are expected to pay nearly N10 million for the Hajj fare, given that the minimum cost is around $6,000.

Although the official fare for the 2025 pilgrimage is yet to be confirmed, some State Pilgrims Welfare Boards have already started asking for an initial deposit of N8.5 million from intending pilgrims.

NAHCON also announced a refund of 64,682 Nigerian pilgrims (equivalent to 150 Saudi Riyals) who participated in the 2023 Hajj.

This was disclosed during a virtual meeting between NAHCON officials and Private Tour Operators (PTOs) on October 7, 2024.

The meeting also highlighted a reduction in the number of approved PTOs for the 2025 Hajj, with Saudi Arabia cutting the figure from 20 to 10, and each operator required to register at least 2,000 pilgrims for visa approval.

NAHCON also addressed a refund of over SR62,000 (N26.9 million) owed to PTOs for substandard feeding arrangements during the 2022 pilgrimage, while clarifying that it received N2.75 billion from 110 PTOs for the 2024 Hajj and still holds a balance of N750 million from undecided operators.

Operators who initially paid a cash deposit of N40 million as a cautionary measure for the 2025 Hajj now have the option to submit a bank guarantee instead.

 By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a significant stride in enhancing its air surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft.

This move is part of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s efforts to revitalize the NCS airwing operations. 

The Cessna Grand Caravan, registered as 5N-BAA, is a rugged and versatile aircraft, ideal for border security operations in Nigeria, thanks to its ability to operate on remote airstrips.

It is also fitted with the modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, enabling operations under day, night, and low-visibility conditions. Powered by the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, the aircraft has a six-hour aerial endurance and can carry 10 officers. 

CGC Adeniyi hailed the acquisition as a “game-changer” for the NCS Airwing, enhancing air surveillance and border patrol capabilities. “This aircraft will be a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Services’ Airwing. Its ability to carry 10 officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol,” he stated.

The aircraft will play a crucial role in detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing swift support for ground operations. 

According to CGC Adeniyi, the acquisition aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. “With this aircraft, we will strengthen our air border patrol capabilities, which will not only help us intercept illegal activities but also provide quick extraction support when necessary,” he explained. 

Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, praised the acquisition as a milestone for the NCS aviation unit.

“With this aircraft, the Nigeria Customs Service is poised to revitalize its air border patrol activities, securing our borders more effectively and improving revenue generation for both the Service and the nation,” he stated.

The acquisition of the Cessna Grand Caravan is expected to provide significant tactical advantages to the Nigeria Customs Service, tightening border security and sending a clear signal to economic saboteurs that the Service is better equipped than ever to combat smuggling activities.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

Following the recent political developments in Rivers State, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, CP Bala Mustapha, conveyed the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the immediate withdrawal of all police personnel previously deployed to seal and safeguard the local government secretariats in the state.  

This decision is in line with the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensure neutrality and the smooth functioning of democratic institutions. 

Consequently, the IGP has ordered the unsealing of the local government secretariats, which were earlier secured by police personnel.

The police will only be redeployed to these locations in the event of any crisis or breakdown of law and order, in which case emergency measures will be swiftly implemented to restore normalcy. 

The Rivers State Police Command assured the public of its readiness to maintain peace and order across the state and will continue to act professionally in discharging its duties.

The police urge all residents and stakeholders to remain calm and law-abiding as the situation continues to evolve.

By Usman Muhammad Salihu,

In Nigeria, fluctuating petrol prices have long been a source of frustration for citizens. It’s not just about the financial strain—it impacts daily life, from commuting to work to powering homes. The government faces immense challenges, balancing affordable fuel prices with foreign exchange rate volatility and maintaining a sustainable oil and gas sector. Add the country’s reliance on imported fuel, infrastructure problems, and unpredictable global oil prices, and you have a perfect storm.

The government’s communication around petrol price changes often lacks clarity and consistency, confusing and mistrusting the public. People ask, “What’s going on?” and “Why should we care?”

The Transparency Issue

A significant problem is the lack of transparency in how fuel prices are determined. The government’s lack of clear communication feeds uncertainty and speculation. This situation can be improved by regularly sharing detailed and transparent information regarding the factors influencing petrol prices. 

Nigerians need access to crucial data such as fuel import reports, pricing mechanisms, and subsidy allocations. Making this information publicly available would help build trust and reduce the growing mistrust surrounding petrol price changes.

Collaborative Stakeholder Engagement

The government must also open lines of communication with industry leaders, labour unions, and civil society organisations. These groups have a direct stake in how petrol pricing impacts the broader economy and everyday life.

Engaging these stakeholders in meaningful dialogue can help align expectations, address concerns, and prevent misunderstandings. This collaboration can reduce the public unrest often triggered by abrupt price hikes. Building consensus among all stakeholders can also create a more stable economic environment regarding petrol prices.

Establishing a Predictable Pricing Framework

One of the most critical steps the government can take is establishing a clear, stable, and predictable framework for setting petrol prices. Currently, changes in fuel prices often come as sudden shocks, leaving citizens and businesses unprepared. A transparent pricing model communicated in advance would help mitigate this uncertainty and reduce panic.

When people know what to expect and when they can make better financial plans and avoid the anxiety associated with sudden price hikes. This predictability would benefit individuals and businesses, as they could better manage their operational costs tied to fuel expenses.

Educating the Public on Petrol Pricing

Many Nigerians are unaware of the factors that influence petrol prices, such as fluctuations in the global oil market and government interventions to manage these costs. This knowledge gap contributes to the public’s frustration and misunderstanding.

Launching public education campaigns to explain the variables behind petrol pricing can help citizens make more informed decisions. Using various media platforms to deliver this information in simple, accessible language will foster better understanding and reduce confusion. It’s not just about explaining why prices fluctuate—it’s about empowering Nigerians with knowledge.

Reducing Reliance on Imported Fuel

Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel is critical to its petrol price volatility. Exploring alternative energy sources and boosting local refining capacity are essential to reducing this dependence. Investment in local refineries, for instance, would not only lessen the country’s reliance on imports but also create jobs and foster economic growth.

Additionally, encouraging fuel efficiency initiatives can help Nigerians reduce fuel consumption. Simple practices like carpooling or using public transportation more frequently could significantly reduce fuel demand, ease supply pressure, and ultimately stabilise prices.

Investing in Alternative Energy Solutions

Another long-term solution is to explore and invest in alternative energy sources. By diversifying the country’s energy portfolio, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on petrol and mitigate the impact of global oil price fluctuations.

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower could provide sustainable alternatives to petrol. While transitioning to these energy sources will take time and investment, the long-term benefits include energy security, reduced pollution, and job creation in the renewable energy sector.

Building Trust through Human-Centered Communication

Managing petrol pump prices is no easy task, but the government can ease the burden through a more human-centred approach to communication. By addressing citizens’ concerns in a relatable and transparent way, the government can foster trust and reduce the uncertainty often accompanying price changes.

This communication must be consistent and delivered across multiple channels to reach all Nigerians, from urban centres to rural areas. Regular updates, accessible language, and relatable messaging will go a long way in alleviating public frustration.

The Path Forward: A Collaborative Effort

Managing petrol prices in Nigeria is a complex but surmountable challenge. The process can become more manageable with clear, transparent communication and collaboration between the government, industry leaders, and the public. The government can create a more stable economic environment by taking a holistic approach, including educating the public, establishing a predictable pricing framework, and investing in alternative energy solutions.

The complexities of petrol pump price management require collective action. As Nigerians, we must engage with the process, hold the government accountable, and support initiatives that promote transparency and sustainability. Only by working together can we navigate the complexities of petrol pricing and ensure a better future for all.

Conclusion

Petrol pricing is a critical issue in Nigeria, impacting not just individual livelihoods but the broader economy. The government’s current approach, characterised by a lack of transparency and sudden price shifts, contributes to public mistrust and instability. However, by adopting a more transparent, predictable, and inclusive strategy, the government can build trust and create a more stable environment for all Nigerians. Investing in alternative energy sources and educating the public about the factors influencing petrol prices are essential steps in this process.

Managing petrol prices may be a tough job, but it can be made easier with the right approach. Through collaboration, transparency, and innovation, Nigeria can tackle this issue head-on, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Usman Muhammad Salihu is a PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship 2024 fellow and wrote via muhammadu5363@gmail.com.