The US government is set to deport 3,690 Nigerians who are considered to be residing in the country illegally.

The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said it has identified 3,690 Nigerians among the 1.4 million “illegal migrants” with deportation orders.

A document obtained by Fox News from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and published on Tuesday showed that the immigrants have been on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal since 24 November 2024.

The non-detained docket includes people who have been ordered to leave the US or are in the process of being deported but are not being held by ICE.

According to a report by Fox News, there are more than 7 million people currently on this list, including those held in federal, state, or local jails but not directly in ICE custody.

Those held by ICE are placed on the detained docket.

With 3,690 individuals, Nigeria has the second-highest number of citizens slated for deportation in Africa, following Somalia, which has 4,090. Ghana has the third highest number.

Globally, the list is topped by nationals from Mexico with 252,044, Guatemala with 253,413, Honduras with 261,651, and El Salvador with 203,822.

Other countries on the list include China, with 37,908 individuals facing final removal orders, Haiti with 32,363, Iran with 2,618, Pakistan with 776, Uzbekistan with 975, and Venezuela with 22,749.

Trump’s immigration policy

President Donald Trump has intensified his efforts to crack down on immigration, building on his campaign pledge to execute “the largest deportation in American history.”

Since his inauguration on 20 January, the Trump-led administration has overseen the arrest of over 3,500 undocumented immigrants across the United States, carried out by ICE.

Deportation flights have commenced, with US military aircraft transporting migrants to their home countries or other designated nations. The move has been criticised by Democrats and rights groups in the US who accuse the government of violating due process and human rights in the deportations. Some of the foreign governments involved have also criticised the operation. The Colombian government initially refused to accept some of its deported citizens after accusing the US of mistreating them and treating them like criminals. It accused the US government of placing them in handcuffs and conveying them in military aircraft. Colombia later reversed its decision after it was threatened with tariffs by President Trump.

According to estimates from the Pew Research Center, there are approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States, a country with a population of 341 million.

Cooperation from foreign countries

The ICE document noted that the “US Government believes every country is obligated to accept the return of its citizens and nationals who are ineligible to remain in the United States.”

It stated that a lack of cooperation from the foreign government delays and inhibits the removal process.

“The US Government requests foreign governments take appropriate steps to confirm the citizenship of noncitizens suspected to be their nationals, which include conducting interviews, issuing travel documents in a timely manner, and accepting the physical return of their nationals by scheduled commercial or charter flights consistent with ICE and/or foreign government removal guidelines.

“Lack of cooperation from countries in accepting the return of their nationals may lead to ICE classifying those countries as uncooperative or at-risk of non-compliance,” the document reads

By

Ayobami Adedeji News 2025-01-31

That Nigerians are currently in pains over rising cost of living is no more news,the devastating effect of current reforms of the government of President Bola Tinubu,on Nigerians,can not be overstated.It has further depressed the people, into more poverty.The latest price adjustment, by  Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, means that in the less than 17 months of the current administration, the price of petrol has risen by over 430 per cent from May 29, when it took over the reins of power.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited NNPCL) raised the pump price of fuel from N897 per litre to N1, 030 in Abuja; from N855 to N998 in Lagos; N1, 070 in North-East; N1,025 in other South-West states; N1,045 in South-East and N1,075 in South-South. Nigerians,now had to grapple with higher prices while struggling to make ends meet.This had triggered reactions,as the people,are  asking the President ,to reverse the increment.Just like most Nigerians,the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Organised Private Sector have also called for the immediate reversal of the hike in the pump prices of petrol, by the NNPCL.

Joe Ajaero of NLC stated, “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.

“We challenge the government to go to the drawing board and present us with a blueprint for inclusive economic growth and national development instead of this spasmodic ad holism and palliative policy.

“It needs no stating the fact that the latest wave of increase has grossly altered the calculations of Nigerians once again at a time they were reluctantly coming to terms with their new realities.

“It will further deepen poverty as production capacities dip, more jobs lost with multidimensional negative effects. In light of this, we urge the government to immediately reverse this rate hike as previous increases did not produce any good results. People only got poorer.

“But more fundamentally, the government should be bold enough to tell Nigerians in advance the destination it wants to take the country.”

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This development comes days after the NNPC decided to terminate its exclusive purchase agreement with Dangote Refinery, giving room for other players downstream to buy products directly from the Dangote Refinery.

The price reportedly  jumped to as high as N1,200/litre in some other stations in Abuja. For instance, customers bought petrol from one of the Eterna stations in the city centre at N1,200/litre. Mobil station at Arab junction sold to its customers at N990/litre while all NNPCL stations along with Berger didn’t display its pump price.The increase,has upwardly affect transport prices,One of our correspondents observed that a one-way trip from Lugbe to Wuse in Abuja had increased to N1,000 from N700 previously charged.

Also, transport cost moved as fuel price hit N1,250 per litre in Borno State.

Commercial fuel stations sold at N1,100 per litre with many stations also shut down, which caused artificial scarcity of the commodity in Katsina State. The pump price in Ilorin, Kwara State, as of Wednesday evening at NNPC stations was N1,045. At Orange Global filling station it was N1,300; Rainoil dispensed at N1210, while Total sold it at N1,210.

In Edo, most marketers sold for N1,250 per litre, it was in Delta for between N1,100 and N1,200 per litre and N1,200 to N1,250 per litre in Benue.

In Abia, fuel sold for N1,200 and N1,300, while in Yobe, NNPC sold for N1,098 and others between N1,150 and N1,170 per litre

Most stations in Ondo sold for between N970 and N1000 in the morning but changed to N1,115 in the evening.

The Organised Private Sector also condemned the development. The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the hike it would further drive up the cost of production for manufacturers.

He said, “The second increase in one month will send high costs across the value chain for the manufacturer. In terms of the distribution of our products, it means that we are going to pay much higher for it and this will of course impact the prices at which our locally produced items will go.”

The MAN DG said the PMS price hike does not bode well for the average Nigerian whose disposable income shrinks daily, resulting in fewer purchases but faces increasing transportation costs.

“Together with the fact that the disposable income of the average Nigerian has dropped, we are likely to witness a further dip in our sales figures,” Ajayi-Kadir said. “For some small and medium scale enterprises that use diesel in their processes, it is going to be an increase in costs.

“Additionally, workers who make trips are likely to request another raise to allow them to transport themselves to work. Since people will spend more on transport, it reduces the money they spend on other goods, whereas we need more purchases to support more production.”

The MAN DG noted the NNPC’s new PMS price could lead to another low in the business environment, but hoped that over time there would be a moderation in PMS prices as he recommended the Federal Government incentivise petrol cost reduction.

He added, “We already have a huge advantage in Dangote Refinery coming on stream and doing the local supply. It is a welcome development and we are very proud of that as an indigenous producer in our history.

“We are looking forward to how the government would deliberately incentivise the reduction of the cost of petrol. When we subsidised imported petrol, we could say we were subsidising consumption.

“But if arrangements could be made so that Dangote, for instance, would get crude at reduced costs, it could be a way of giving subsidy to Nigerians, but you would be subsidising production, which would be for the overall well-being of Nigerians.

“So, I believe that kind of arrangement, particularly if we intentionally and diligently increase our oil production, would be something that may have to be considered as we continue to find solutions to the rising costs of petroleum products collectively.”

The Director, Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, described the latest increase in PMS price as regrettably ill-timed and failed to reckon with the prevailing difficult economic conditions.

 “There is always a place for political economy in the interest of the vulnerable segments of society,” Yusuf said. “The Nigerian economy is not ripe for full-blown deregulation and market principles on all fronts.”

Yusuf recommended policy sequencing as a better path, noting it would have been better if the Economic Stabilisation Bill expected to bring relief to the citizens and businesses through its proposed mitigating measures was activated and gained traction before a petrol price hike.

He added, “What the economy needs at this time are measures to ease the current economic and social challenges; not policies that would aggravate them. It is desirable to urgently cut import duties and taxes by a minimum of 25 per cent on all industrial raw materials, 18-seater passenger buses and above and cars of 2,000cc engine capacity and below.”

He also recommended customs duty exchange rate be fixed at a maximum of N1,000/$ to reduce the current prohibitive cost of imports with relevant legislation amended to that effect without prejudice to the fiscal policy measures in the Economic Stabilisation  Plan.

Yusuf remarked, “The government must be ready to trade off some revenue in the current situation. There is a need to seek to achieve the maximisation of the welfare function for citizens and the productivity function for businesses. The government should not be too fixated on revenue maximisation.”

Reacting to the latest hike, the National President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, Dr Femi Egbesola, said the association was troubled by the lack of prior notice.

He said, “While we understand the complex factors that can influence fuel prices, such as global oil market dynamics and exchange rate fluctuations, we are troubled by the lack of prior notice and clear explanations provided by the government and the NNPCL regarding this development.

 “The timing of this price hike is particularly concerning, as it has the potential to further exacerbate the impact on businesses and consumers, especially the vulnerable segments of the population and those on fixed incomes, who are still adjusting to the recent increase in the national minimum wage.”

He noted that the current administration should realise that a steep price hike was bound to trigger widespread price increases, potentially reversing the recent easing in inflation.

He posited, “The immediate impact of the hike in petrol price on businesses will be severe, with fuel prices affecting supply and logistics, power generation, transportation, and factory operations.

 “The cost of doing business will skyrocket, prices of goods will rise, and some firms may shut down due to low demand in the face of weakening consumer purchasing power. Of course, this will be followed by job losses.”

In a similar vein, the National Vice President, Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists, Segun Kuti-George, said it was shocking to see pump prices go up again.

 “What we’re expecting, to be honest, is a possible drop in the price of PMS due to the expectation that PMS will now be sourcing from Dangote, who would be receiving crude in naira from NNPC. It was, therefore, a surprise to see prices going up again,” he said.

“Well, there is nothing that the government or people will not have explanations for, but I believe that courtesy demands either NNPC as an agent of the government or the government itself should take the time to explain these things to the people. They should give us information on what’s about to happen so that we can have a correct understanding and prepare ourselves for it, but you won’t hear anything.

 “All you see is an upward review in prices, and they leave you guessing what exactly is happening. For instance, the information I gathered was that NNPC had been acting as a go-between for Dangote and marketers and paying some amount of subsidy, which accounts for the price difference between what NNPC sells and what other marketers sell. Now, NNPC has withdrawn, and it’s like everyone has to buy and sell what they buy, whether they are buying locally or importing.

 “Even if that’s the case, someone should have taken the time to explain it to us, so we have a clear understanding and aren’t just guessing. Of course, this increase translates to higher costs for micro, small, and medium enterprises. It leads to an increase in prices, reduced sales, reduced profits, and ultimately, it can lead to job losses and increased unemployment. Well, we can only hope that this action will bring an end to sporadic fuel price increases and engender some level of stability.”

Additionally, an economist and investment specialist, Vincent Nwani, noted the frequency of fuel price increases this year, emphasizing its nationwide repercussion.

“This is the third time fuel prices have increased this year, which I believe is a nationwide problem. In some parts of the country, prices are above N1,500. Inflation will rise, not just the one reported by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“Costs continue to climb, and I’m uncertain about the figures from the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics. Electricity costs are also unfavourable, and recently, it was announced that the price of driving licenses will increase.”

Dangote denies price hike

Contrary to reports that the new petrol price hike must have been triggered by an increase in the ex-depot price of the product at the Dangote refinery, officials of the refinery have denied the claim.

There were online reports on Wednesday indicating that Dangote refinery had raised the price of petrol to N977/litre, prompting NNPC to also push up its rate.

However, senior officials at Dangote refinery described the report as “fake news.”

 “The NNPC should be in a position to tell you why it increased the price of petrol, go and ask them. I don’t know where you got N977 from,” an official told our correspondent.

With the new price hike, petroleum marketers said they would need more money to top up their existing orders with the NNPC.

The President of the Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gilly-Harry, told one of our correspondents on Wednesday that marketers would only receive the products they had bidded for after completing the differential to make up for the new price.

 “We have been communicated that this is the new price the NNPC will be selling to us. The factors as to why the price change has not been told. But don’t forget that we are entering into a fully deregulated segment of the business. It means quite a lot to us because we need to go and look for more money to add to the product we have already paid for. That is why we are crying. The challenges we have as retailers are more than meets the eye. We also don’t have consistent sales because the purchasing power of the masses has been eroded. We are hoping that things will change for the future,” he said.Meanwhile,the Federal Government has said it is not responsible for the hike in the pump price of petrol.

The National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government should not be held responsible for the latest hike in petrol price.

The minister explained that the NNPCL made the decision in response to prevailing circumstances in the energy industry, emphasising that it did not act on any instruction from the federal government, as the government can no longer fix prices of petroleum products,  in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

He said with the subsidy regime ending since May 2023, the NNPCL had only been paying differential to keep the price within the range it had been, but the company said it could no longer absorb the losses.The minister urged Nigerians to continue to show understanding with the NNPCL and the government, assuring that in the long run the prices would ultimately come down.

 He said the government would continue to invest the savings from removal of subsidy to improve other critical sectors like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.

He added that the initial investments of the government in CNG would also ameliorate the impact even as more operators invest.

By

Ayobami Adedeji News 2024-10-10

The immediate past Editor of The PUNCH, Dayo Oketola, is set to launch a book he authored as his contribution to the development of the pen profession.

The book,  ‘The Catalyst: Nigerian ICT Evolution Through a Journalist’s Lens,’ will be launched on September 17, 2024, at an exaugural lecture to mark the end of his time as an editor and celebrate his nearly 20 years of experience in journalism.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo will be the Special Guest Speaker at the event, which will take place at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, by 10 am.

Oketola, now a senior member of the PUNCH Editorial Board, left as Editor of The PUNCH in June.

While serving as editor, he won the Editor of the Year prize at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA) in December 2023. He also led the organisation to win the Newspaper of the Year at the same award ceremony. Oketola, a consistent journalism prizeman, also won  Editor of the Year Award at The Industry Awards 2022. He is a two-time winner of the Zimeo Excellence in Media Awards in Johannesburg 2015 and Nairobi 2016, among numerous awards during his illustrious journalism career.

In a statement, Oketola said, “I am excited to announce the upcoming launch of my book, The Catalyst: Nigerian ICT Evolution Through A Journalist’s Lens, scheduled for September 17, 2024.

“On the same day, I will also be hosting an exaugural lecture to celebrate my tenure as Editor of The PUNCH and nearly 20 years in journalism.”

Speaking further, the former editor described his years in journalism as one that had driven advocacy and impacted different sectors of the economy.

“My 20 remarkable years of stewardship to the nation via media and leadership practices have driven advocacy and impacted areas such as business and economy, ICT, energy, agriculture, social inclusion, anti-corruption, drug trafficking prevention, and nation-building, a testament to the power of journalism in shaping our society,” Oketola remarked.

Other influential guests hosted at the media event are a former Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Michael Ikpoki, who will chair the occasion, and the Convener, Centre for Social Media Research, Dr Akin Olaniyan, who will be the book reviewer.  The Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, will grace the occasion as the Chief Host.

Similarly, the Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Mr Adeyeye Joseph, is the host, while the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Eze Anaba,  is the co-host.

By

Ayobami Adedeji News 2024-09-10

Syria’s new interim prime minister has pledged to protect minority rights and bring security to the country in an interview with Al Jazeera, amid reports that the tomb of Hafez al-Assad, the father of removed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was torched in Latakia.

The tomb of Hafez, who was president from 1971 until his death in 2000, was burned in his hometown of Qardaha, located in the Latakia heartland of al-Assad’s Alawite community. Bashar al-Assad succeeded him in 2000.

Mohammed al-Bashir, the newly appointed caretaker prime minister, said the priority was to ensure that people could return to work, but pledged to bring to justice “those whose hands are stained with blood”.

“Most of the employees who worked in these institutions have returned to their jobs and resumed their work. The door remains open for all employees, except for those whose hands are stained with blood from military institutions or the shabiha,” he said, referring to Syrian fighter groups loyal to the al-Assad family.

“These individuals will be referred to courts for trial before being allowed to return to their roles in the institutions,” al-Bashir, who headed the regional government in Idlib province, added.

Syrians across the country celebrated the spectacular end to five decades of brutal rule by the al-Assad family, after a lightning offensive spearheaded by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group and its allies.

By

Ayobami Adedeji News 2024-12-13

The traditional rites for installing a new Lapo Ekun of Ijebu Ode have begun, with the elect, Tunde Odulaja, going into seclusion for seven days. This will culminate in a proper coronation on Saturday, October 12th, 2024.

The seclusion, which kicks off on Tuesday, October 1st, is traditionally called elite. It signals the commencement of the enthronement process for traditional rulers and high-ranking members of the Awujale council.

As the Lapo Ekun elect, Odulaja is compelled by tradition and historical antecedents to observe the ritual rites and go through the rigours of initiation before the Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona can confirm on him, the rulership of the Ijasi community.

The seclusion is primarily for reflections and prayers for the Awujale and Ijebu Ode communities. Spiritual interventions will also be held for all other chiefs, Otunbas, and the good people of the Ijasi community.

Pledging that Ijasi and Ijebu-Ode would continue to thrive as a community under his reign, a visibly elated Odulaja said his vision for the people is to see Ijebus be vibrant in its commercial ventures and to see more of his people educated.

The elect also appreciated the Awujale and the community for finding him worthy of the elevated throne.

He said: “We have Muslims, Christians and traditionalists, and we all co-habit in peace. We will continue to strive for a peaceful co-existence amongst our people to bring meaningful development to us, the Ijebus.

“My vision of the Ijasi/Ijebu Ode community is to see Ijebus being vibrant in their commercial ventures, to see more Ijebu men educate their children, especially the girl child, and ensure that farming should again be our focus, while artisanship and skills acquisition should again be our focus for the younger generation.

“I want to see a more vibrant Ijebu Ode, where prosperity, development and progress will be our new song. We would continue to thrive as a community.

“Tradition without history does not hold water; we must first document many of our traditional values.

“As we are fast losing grip of what these traditions are, under the leadership of our revered Awujale of Ijebuland, Kabiyesi Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, GCON, a museum has been created to curate some of these traditional values and history. But we must be fast about this, as time waits for no one.

“Regarding our culture, the Ijebus are always on point; we are proud of our dress, food, working, administrative, and disease.“

The Lapo Ekun elect also stated that hunger and impoverishment exist in the country now, revealing that he would be creative and responsive to encourage the people to work harder and bring back prosperity.

“The advocacy will be on hard work and prosperity. We would also encourage individuals, our sons and daughters, with means to teach by way of CSR how to fish. We will take them back to basics, orientation, handwork and prosperity.”

On how he would engage with other traditional leaders and government officials, Lapo Ekun said that there is an existing platform to engage other conventional leaders.

He emphasised that the structure is so intact that it’s envied by the traditional councils of other areas. He will continue to foster commendable relationships, contribute his ideas on development, and go the extra mile to ensure that his decisions impact the people and their socio-economic status.

In his philosophy of leadership, Lapo Ekun said that a good leader is a good listener and that he must have an excellent vision to inspire others to follow it.

“A good leader must be honest, have a strong sense of moral responsibility, communicate effectively, and have the ability to articulate ideas clearly and foster open dialogues. Also, a good leader must be inspirational, humble, resilient, accountable and decisive.

“All of these are what I’m bringing to the table to foster peace and development of my people and to ensure that their voices are heard as a people,” he said.

However, he said his message is a beacon of hope as he is being bestowed the prestigious title of Lapo Ekun.

He said, “Our culture and heritage are rich, and this fills me with a profound responsibility to uphold the traditions and values that define us as Ijebus. I am so committed to working tirelessly for the betterment of Ijebu Ode.

“This title is a reminder of the enduring legacy of our ancestors and a call to contribute meaningfully for the betterment of our people. I pledge to honour the trust with humility, dedication and unwavering loyalty to the ijebu Ode Kingdom. Let us build a community that thrives in harmony, strength and prosperity.”

Odulaja said further that as a son of Ijasi and as their Lapo Ekun, the support required from the people will be on cultural preservation, community involvement, unity and collaboration, respect for tradition, loyalty and trust.

He then promised to ensure active participation and willingness to contribute to the shared vision, respect for authority, respect for the stool of the Awujale and the traditional leadership structure, and constructive feedback on shared ideas for continuous improvement and problem-solving.

He also promised that the community would strive to work together as a unifying force and promote prosperity, tradition, and progress for the people of Ijasi and Ijebu Ode.

“I respect traditional protocols, participate in ceremonies, maintain open communication with Kabiyesi and all other Chiefs, and show appreciation and gratitude for all their gestures. We also collaborate on initiatives; I am the Secretary General of the Ijebu Renaissance Group and the protem Secretary of the Ijebu Development Agenda as my way of giving back and appreciating my community,“ he said.

By

Ayobami Adedeji News 2024-10-02

The Departement of State Services has released the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, after detaining him for about 15 hours on Monday.

The DSS released him at about 11 p.m. on Monday but seized his passport.

He was released to his lawyer, Abubakar Marshall, from Falana and Falana Chambers after 15 hours of detention since his arrest at about 7 a.m. on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Confirming Mr Ajaero’s release, Abubakar on Monday night,reportedly told newsmen, that the labour leader was released to him as his lawyer. He said the secret police tasked him with presenting him for further interrogation whenever the need arose.“The NLC President, Joel Ajaero, has returned to his home,” he said.

Mr Ajaero was arrested at the airport in Abuja on Monday while trying to catch a flight to the United Kingdom to attend an event of the World Trade Union Congress (WTUC).

Mr Ajaero’s detention sparked widespread criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including from Amnesty International, which demanded an unconditional release of the labour leader on Monday.

The NLC, in a statement by its spokesperson, Benson Upah, also said Mr Ajaero’s “arbitrary arrest” depicted “an escalating crackdown on human rights and restrictions on civic space by the government of President Bola Tinubu.”

Another counsel,Maxwell Okpara, said the labour leader had informed the SSS about his trip to the United Kingdom for an official engagement.

The lawyer said the SSS had invited Mr Ajaero a couple of days ago via telephone call but that he told the secret police that he would honour the invitation on Monday, September 16, upon his return from the UK to Nigeria.

“They  invited him on the phone. He told them that he was engaged with the World Trade Union Congress. He had committed to meeting with the SSS on Monday when he returned from the UK,” Mr Opara told PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Monday.

Mr Opara accused the Nigerian government of attempting to undermine Mr Ajaero’s advocacy and leadership of the NLC by arresting him.

According to the lawyer, the arrest is part of a broader strategy to disrupt the NLC president’s efforts on behalf of Nigerian workers.

Mr Opara accused the government of plotting to remove the labour leader from office and replace him with somebody more aligned with its interests.

“The government wants to push him out,” Mr Opara said. “The SSS claimed Mr Ajaero was invited, despite his clear communication about his availability. This is a deliberate attempt to disrupt his work.

“The timing and nature of this arrest suggest an effort to weaken Mr Ajaero’s influence and consolidate control over the labour movement,” he added.

The NLC and Mr Ajaero have been having a running battle with the Nigerian government.

The police have invited him on two occasions, one of which involved the 70-year-old British socialist Andrew Wynee, who runs a bookstore in the Labour House building, where the NLC headquarters is located.

Citing Mr Wynnee’s connection with the organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protests held across many states in August, the Nigerian government declared him wanted last week over an alleged attempt to topple President Bola Tinubu’s government.

Mr Wynne has dismissed the allegation, maintaining that protests are not treason as alleged by the government.

By

Ayobami Adedeji News 2024-09-10

The actualisation of Ijebu State,may be in sight as Senator Otunba Engr. Gbenga Daniel’s bill for the creation of Ijebu State has passed its first reading at the National Assembly.

This development signals progress in the long-standing demand for  new states in Nigeria’s South-West region.

The proposed Ijebu State would comprise nine local government areas carved out from Ogun State, with Ijebu Ode designated as the state capital.

The local governments involved include Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Remo North, Sagamu, and parts of Abeokuta.

This initiative is part of broader efforts to realign Nigeria’s administrative divisions for enhanced governance.

Earlier in the year, Honourable Oluwole Oke introduced a related bill in the House of Representatives, proposing the creation of three new South-West states: Oke-Ogun, Ijebu, and Ife-Ijesa.

The proposal aims to amend the First Schedule, Part I of Nigeria’s Constitution to accommodate these states.

The push for Ijebu State has gained widespread support from traditional rulers, political figures, and community leaders,as the old Ijebu Province,is the only province that never became a state in modern Nigeria.

Advocates argue that the new state would foster equitable development, improve administrative efficiency, and address decades of demands for better representation and resource allocation.

They also pointed out that of all the old provinces in Nigeria under the colonial administration, it is only Ijebu Province that has not yet become a state.

For Ijebu State to become a reality, the bill must successfully navigate further readings and debates in the National Assembly.

Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former Ogun State governor and seasoned politician, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to promote balanced regional development.

The creation of Ijebu State is expected to address disparities in resource distribution and governance within Ogun State.

By

Ayobami Adedeji News 2024-11-28

N80.2 Billion Fraud! Yahaya Bello visits EFCC at last 

The wanted former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has reportedly visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) amid an N80.2 billion fraud case instituted against him.

This was disclosed in a statement on wednesday, September 18, 2024, by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office.

By

Ayobami Adedeji News 2024-09-18

Oil marketers have yet to commence the loading of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, despite assurances by the Federal Government that the commodity will be available this weekend.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that though some PMS vessels had arrived in the country at the NNPC’s Apapa and Port Harcourt depots, loading by independent marketers had yet to begin.

As a result, petrol queues in major cities persisted on Friday despite the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, earlier promising that the product would be massively available before the weekend.

But the National Operations Controller of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mustapha Zarma, said on Friday that the loading of products at depots had yet to commence, stressing that the queues could last till Monday.

“Maybe the improvement in supply will start tomorrow or Sunday but as of yesterday (Thursday) and today (Friday), there has not been much loading of products. And even if there has been loading today, I don’t think it is much.

“That is why the queues are still visible. We cannot confirm the massive release of products as announced by the minister until maybe Monday,” Zarma stated.

On whether the petrol being expected was the one from the Dangote refinery, Zarma replied, “I am not in a position to answer that. It is NNPC that should answer that.”

NNPC earlier stated on Thursday that it would start lifting products from the Dangote refinery on September 15, 2024.

Zarma had told our correspondent on Thursday that about 2,000 petrol tankers were still at various NNPC depots waiting to lift products.

He said, “The queues in Abuja are heavy. Nobody is loading. Right now, most of the tickets of independent marketers, which had been paid for since the last three months have not been cleared to load.”

The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, also confirmed that marketers had yet to start lifting petrol as required.

“We are aware of what the minister said, but we don’t have products yet. We have not started lifting the product as it is supposed to be and that is why the cost is very high in filling stations that have it.

“People struggle so much to get the product to sell to keep their businesses running. Once the products are readily accessible, the price will stabilise and the queues will clear. That is the situation.”

Presidential aide attacks Dangote

Meanwhile, a presidential aide said the Dangote Refinery was running away from pricing in order not to look bad to Nigerians.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, noted that the refinery was the sole determinant of pricing, adding that it could not sell fuel below its cost price.

“The petrol price cannot be less than N1,000; that was why Dangote decided to push it to the government. So, if the price is determined by the Federal Government, people can attack the government. How does a private company ask the government to fix its price?” the official stated.

In a statement on Thursday, the Dangote Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, had said the PMS market in Nigeria was strictly regulated and the refinery would wait for relevant government agencies for the price.

He said, “The PMS market is strictly regulated, which is known to all oil marketers and stakeholders in the sector, hence we cannot determine, fix, or influence the product price, which falls under the purview of relevant government authorities.”

However, the NNPC, in another statement by its spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, made a contrary claim about the price.

The company held that the PMS market had been deregulated and market forces would determine the price of the product.

Soneye was quoting the Executive Vice President of Downstream, NNPC, Adedapo Segun, saying Section 205 of the Petroleum Industry Act, which established NNPC Ltd, stipulated that petroleum prices were determined by unrestricted free market forces.

“Additionally, the exchange rate plays a significant role in influencing these prices,” the NNPC submitted.

Market forces

Experts told our correspondent that if the NNPC and the Federal Government allowed market forces to determine the price of Dangote petrol, it might be as high as N1,000 per litre.

“Can Nigerians buy petrol at N1,000 or N1,100?” a depot operator queried, asking the government to intervene to ensure affordable energy for Nigerians.

Speaking with our correspondent, an energy consultant and expert, Henry Adigun, said the cost of producing a litre of PMS is an average of N750, without any additional cost.

According to Adigun, this could rise to N800/litre when other margins are added, which will also increase when it gets to the filling stations.

He stated that the NNPC could decide to buy from Dangote and sell at a subsidised rate to the masses. The consultant, however, called for transparency in the entire process.

“Anybody that is expecting N400 or N500 petrol is just wasting his time. It won’t happen,” Adigun added.

Similarly, Professor Emeritus, Wumi Iledare, held that the PIA did not empower anyone to set the price of petrol, saying it should be determined by the forces of demand and supply.

Iledare stated that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority had the responsibility to ensure there was no price gouging.

The don advocated for a willing seller, willing buyer arrangement, saying the NMDPRA should not allow the NNPC to be the sole buyer of Dangote PMS.

He rejected the payment of shortfalls on PMS, nothing that the sale of petrol to all marketers in naira would crash the price.

Until the market becomes fully deregulated with many participants, Iledare suggested that Nigeria should practise what he called price modulation with a committee looking at important determinants of demand and supply to agree on a price to be reviewed as the situation changes.

He also said the price of diesel in Ghana was one cedis higher than that of petrol.

OPS warns NNPC

The Organised Private Sector on Friday warned that allowing market forces to determine the prices of fuel would bring about more volatility in the sector.

In a statement made available to Saturday PUNCH, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Dele Oye, said the chamber condemned the recent announcement by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, that the Federal Government would no longer interfere in the pricing of PMS in the country.

He said NACCIMA was particularly alarmed by the potential impact of this decision on businesses, consumers, and the overall economic landscape, adding that the deregulation of PMS prices, coupled with the influence of foreign exchange illiquidity, was likely to result in significant volatility and unpredictability in fuel prices.

“The possibility of a sharp increase in fuel prices, potentially exceeding the initial rise from N600 to N800 at NNPC stations is a grave concern. This will undoubtedly lead to a surge in inflationary pressures, eroding the purchasing power of consumers and putting immense strain on businesses already struggling to navigate the challenging economic environment.

“A more gradual and well-planned approach to PMS pricing is essential to ensure stability, predictability, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria,” he stated.

In an interview with our correspondent, the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Francis Meshioye, said the Federal Government should examine the underlying factors causing the price hikes before attempting to address the problem, noting the need to devise long-term solutions.

He said, “The effort to control fuel prices has been largely sabotaged, and the cost of goods has also increased. The government should take the time to examine the root of the issue. There are underlying factors causing these problems, and they cannot be addressed without tackling the fundamental issues that led to the price hikes. It’s time to stop with superficial solutions; what we need are quick and effective measures. They must identify what triggered the increases and devise a strategic plan to address the underlying problem. The key concern is that the government should focus on long-term solutions because energy supply is crucial to manufacturers.”

Meshioye added that the inconsistencies in the energy sector were adversely affecting the operational strategies employed by manufacturers, as they were constantly required to plan in alignment with the current economic realities in the country.

According to the MAN boss, the Federal Government should engage the services of patriotic experts and stakeholders in the energy sector, whose recommendations would be adopted for implementation after brainstorming on how to get lasting solutions to the problem.

Also, the Director of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, said fuel scarcity results in profiteering, and the only way the government can stop it is to ensure the availability of the product and promote competition.

“Generally, three critical factors determine the prices of petroleum products: procurement costs, logistics costs, and product availability. The different prices we are currently witnessing are consequences of these factors. If the conditions around these variables improve, we would see a moderation in prices as well as less variability. It is product scarcity that results in profiteering. The way to tackle this exploitative practice is to ensure product availability and promote competition,” he stated.

TUC considers strike

The Trade Union Congress criticised the increase in fuel prices, saying it undermined the new minimum wage of N70,000.

The TUC revealed that it would convene to discuss potential strike action, noting that “with the current situation, anything can happen.”

In an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the National Deputy President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, expressed concerns that the hike would lead to higher costs for goods and services.

He stated, “Our focus right now isn’t just on whether we are considering a strike. Given the current circumstances, anything is possible. It may not even originate from us. For instance, the #EndBadGovernance protest wasn’t initiated by us, it was a response to pressing economic issues.”

Etim emphasised that any decision regarding a strike would depend on the positions taken by individual labour centres.

“Once the various labour  unions have made their decisions, we will formulate a unified stance for organised labour,” he added.

But the Nigeria Labour Congress reiterated that it would meet to give direction on how to engage the Federal Government on the fuel hike.

Spokesperson for the NLC, Benson Upah, said the appropriate organs of the body would meet and take decisions.

Nigerians trek, ride bicycles

Following the hike in fuel prices, which has increased the cost of transportation across the country, some Nigerians have resorted to the use of bicycles for interstate movement.

Our correspondents, who travelled to major cities in the country on Friday, reported that some Nigerians opted for trekking and cycling.

Some residents of Ogun State said they had abandoned their cars in favour of public transport, coupled with trekking, to cope with the unbearable hardship caused by the fuel crisis.

A senior health worker in the state, Mrs Fauziyah Adesola, said she had dropped her car and cut down on unnecessary journeys.

“With the fuel subsidy removal and the price rising from N200 to N600 per litre, I initially tried to stubbornly use my personal car, but I found out that it was a battle I couldn’t win. I was burning so much on fuel, children’s school bills were skyrocketing, and the cost of food and many other things were rising, yet the salary remained unchanged.

“So, I switched to using public transport when going to my workstation outside Abeokuta, and I added a bit of trekking. I have since found peace. I have also cut down on unnecessary journeys and social engagements,” she lamented.

Another resident, Mr Kola Adio, said he had also parked his car and embraced public transport and trekking to manage the burdensome cost of transportation.

He said, “I stopped taking my car to work in January, and I have noticed that many people in my neighborhood have done the same. I now use public transport to work, which costs me an average of N2000, compared to the N10,000 I was spending daily.”

A man, David Michael, said he now uses commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, to get to work.

He said, “Is it not better to spend N1,200 on a bike to work daily than about N5,000 or even more driving myself? It is common sense. What I do now is just to take my car to church when the whole family is involved.

“I have also learnt to trek for at least 10 minutes from my house to the junction to get a bike to my work station. Many people are doing the same because this economy is harsh. It is terrible. None of us prepared for this situation, but God will see us through.”

In some parts of Delta State, a similar trend is observed as some Nigerians in Asaba trekked to work, while others used bicycles for movement within the state capital on Friday.

A resident in the city, Mr Monday Iwu, said he resorted to using a bicycle because he could not afford to buy fuel at the exorbitant price.

“I have a car, but since the fuel hike, I have parked my car and have been using a bicycle to work. However, our problem is the road. There are no proper roads, and cars, trucks, and even tricycles don’t allow us on the road; they harass us with their big vehicles. That’s our only fear, but we have no other options.”

Speaking with our correspondent, a young woman residing in the Ekeki axis of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Tarindo Mike, said she had reduced her movements due to the increase in transportation fares caused by the fuel price hike.

He said, “I’m just managing. Like today, where I used to pay N100, they now charge N150. I waited for two or three Keke before the last one carried me, and the rider said, ‘You know that fuel is high, and I’m just carrying you for N100.

“The situation is depressing. As a seller, I sample the prices of intend to buy the next day, but when I go with the money, I’m told the price has increased, and it makes me sad.”

In Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, a middle-aged woman” who identified herself only as Funke, said she trekked from Ring Road to the Challenge area of the city on Friday because she could not afford the high fares that motorists demanded due to the fuel price hike.

Similarly, a resident in the Odo-Ona Elewe area of Ibadan, who simply gave his name as Mr Luku, said, “Most of the people living in this community often trek long distances to major roads where they can then board Keke Maruwa (tricycle) or Micra taxi cabs when they have business in other areas of Ibadan.

“This is how we have been trying to cope with the fuel situation since Tinubu removed the subsidy on petrol. Many people in this community don’t go out except for important reasons.”

Also, a commuter in Abia state, said, “We have decided to trek so that instead of paying N400, we can now pay N300. Honestly, this fuel hike is changing the attitude of residents of the state. We now engage in trekking to cushion the effect of the hike.”

When our correspondent spoke to a bicyclist, he said, “I decided to fix my abandoned bicycle so I wouldn’t need to pay N400 from Douglas Road to Orji. Did you notice that passengers have resorted to trekking? There’s always a way out.”

By

Ayobami Adedeji News 2024-09-07