Economy
Tinubu To Halt Petrol Imports, Focus On Local Refining: Energy Expert

Tinubu To Halt Petrol Imports, Focus On Local Refining: Energy Expert
Tinubu to halt petrol imports, focus on local refining. Energy expert Dan Kunle has criticized the continued importation of petrol and diesel by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited and certain marketers, despite the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s capacity to meet domestic demand. He described the practice as detrimental to Nigeria’s economic progress.
Recent reports reveal that NNPC and oil marketers spent ₦5.5 trillion on fuel imports within four months.
Speaking on Television on Sunday, Kunle likened the current wave of fuel importation to the infamous ‘cement Armada’ of the 1970s, when an oversupply of cement ships caused severe congestion at Nigeria’s ports.
He expressed disappointment that despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive and the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) decision to allocate local crude to domestic refineries, government agencies have failed to comply without facing consequences.
“I expected a smooth transition after the FEC’s decision in October 2024 to prioritize local crude supply for domestic refineries, particularly Dangote Refinery, which has the technical capacity to refine large volumes. Yet, we continue to see large-scale fuel imports, raising concerns about whether this is an attempt to flood the market with substandard fuel and undermine Dangote Refinery,” Kunle stated.
He emphasized that with Dangote Refinery already refining 550,000 barrels per day and producing high-quality petroleum products, continued fuel importation is unnecessary. He urged President Tinubu to take decisive action to end what he described as an importation “racket.”
Kunle argued that it makes no economic sense to prioritize fuel imports when other nations, like the United States, are protecting their domestic industries to strengthen their economies. He called on Tinubu to demand a clear transition timeline for Nigeria to shift from an importer of refined petroleum products to a self-sufficient producer and exporter.
“The Dangote Refinery is a national strategic asset. The government must intervene and remove all obstacles hindering its operations. Rather than legal battles, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) should be tasked with presenting a clear roadmap to end fuel imports. If the government remains passive, it will harm Nigeria’s economy and discourage future investments,” Kunle warned.

Tinubu
With Dangote Refinery operational and the reported revival of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, Kunle stressed that Nigeria should be moving towards becoming a net exporter of refined petroleum products rather than continuing to rely on costly imports.
Economy
Governor Dapo Abiodun Rewards UNILAG’s Top Graduates With N10m Each

Governor Dapo Abiodun Rewards UNILAG’s Top Graduates With N10m Each
Governor Dapo Abiodun rewards UNILAG’s top graduates with N10m each. He emphasised that such recognition would inspire others to unlock their full potential.
Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has presented a cheque of ₦10 million each to Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin, the best graduating students of the University of Lagos.
The duo emerged as the top graduates during the institution’s 55th convocation ceremony.
While receiving them in his office in Abeokuta on Friday, Mr Abiodun also appointed them as Education Ambassadors of the state.
The governor stated that the gesture was to appreciate their hard work. He noted that achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.0 had made the state proud and secured their future.
Mr Abiodun assured that his administration would continue to honour individuals excelling in their careers. He emphasised that such recognition would inspire others to unlock their full potential.
“I commend you for bringing honour to yourselves, your families, Ogun State, and Nigeria. We are appointing you as our Education Ambassadors to motivate students,” he said.
He urged them to consider how they could support younger students. He added that they would participate in programmes where they would visit schools to encourage and mentor pupils.
“As a token of our appreciation, we are giving you ₦10 million each. This reward also acknowledges your parents’ efforts in making Ogun State proud,” the governor said.
Mr Abiodun expressed delight that despite societal challenges, some young men and women remained focused, diligent, and intentional about their academics, achieving outstanding success.
He described their accomplishment as exceptional, highlighting their perseverance, consistency, and discipline in reaching their goals. He commended their determination to excel academically.
“This is the Ogun spirit. I’m not surprised that both of you, from the same department, Cell Biology and Genetics, achieved this remarkable feat in the same year,” he said.

Abiodun
The governor noted that his administration had revitalised the education sector through various reforms, including a learner identification system to monitor student enrolment and performance.
He added that the Learner Identification Number initiative had gained attention from other states, positioning Ogun as a model for educational innovation in Nigeria.
In response, Messrs Adebakin and Badekale expressed gratitude to the governor for the recognition, calling it proof of his commitment to improving the education sector in Ogun.
They advised young people to focus on their studies and avoid activities that could bring shame to their families, stressing that education remained a key to success.
Economy
Borno Governor Babagana Zulum Distributes Vehicles, 280 Housing Units To Security Agencies

Borno Governor Babagana Zulum Distributes Vehicles, 280 Housing Units To Security Agencies
Borno governor Babagana Zulum distributes vehicles, 280 housing units to security agencies. Mr Zulum said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday, launched the distribution of 110 operational vehicles, 500 motorcycles, and 280 housing units to security agencies in Borno.
The initiative, led by Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum, aims to enhance security operations and improve the welfare of security personnel across the state.
Speaking at the Government House in Maiduguri, the IGP praised the governor for his continued support, describing him as a “performing governor” committed to tackling insecurity in the North East.
“This massive support will undoubtedly boost our operational efficiency. These assets will enhance response capacity, improve patrol operations, and ultimately strengthen security across the state.”
The IGP assured that the newly provided assets would be deployed immediately to reinforce security efforts across Borno.
“These operational assets, including 110 vehicles and 500 motorcycles, will significantly improve our ability to respond swiftly to threats, conduct patrols, and protect communities,” Mr Egbetokun said.
He reiterated the police force’s commitment to ensuring these resources are effectively used for the safety and security of Borno’s residents.
In his address, Mr Zulum said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture.
“Today marks another significant step in our unwavering efforts to support security agencies in Borno state,” Mr Zulum said.
He explained that the vehicles and housing allocations were designed to improve mobility, enhance response time, and boost operational capacity in the fight against insecurity.
He emphasised that security remained the foundation for Borno’s recovery and development, pledging continued collaboration with security agencies.
“Without security, our efforts in rebuilding Borno will not yield the desired results. By supporting security forces, we invest in force multipliers and operational effectiveness,” he said.
Mr Zulum also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in supporting security operations across the country, particularly in Borno.
“We appreciate the Federal Government under President Tinubu’s leadership for its continued support to security agencies working tirelessly to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

Zulum
The Nigeria Police Force will receive 60 of the 110 vehicles, while the Nigerian military will be allocated 50 vehicles and 500 motorcycles.
Additionally, the police will receive 220 housing units at Mai Mala Buni Estate, 20 at Kashim Shettima Estate, and another 40 at Wulari, all in Maiduguri.
Senior security officials attended the ceremony, including the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, as well as top police, military, and paramilitary officers.
Economy
Nasarawa Government Urges Communities To Protect Water Facilities Against Vandalism

Nasarawa Government Urges Communities To Protect Water Facilities Against Vandalism
Nasarawa government urges communities to protect water facilities against vandalism. Mr Muluku said Gov. Abdullahi Sule was willing and ready to tackle water challenges in the state.
The Nasarawa state government has urged communities to adequately protect and guard the water facilities in their domains against vandalism.
Mohammed Muluku, the commissioner for water resources and rural development, made the call on Friday in Akwanga.
Mr Muluku made the call during an on-the-spot assessment of water facilities in Nasarawa South and Nasarawa North senatorial districts.
The commissioner said that the visit to water facilities was aimed at identifying conditions of water facilities across the state, with a view to providing solutions for improved water supply.
“The aim of touring water facilities is to identify areas of decay and to develop strategies to boost portable water supply in the state.
“With the support of the general manager, Nasarawa State Water Board and my permanent secretary, we are going to identify the problems of water challenges.
“We will report back to the Gov. Abdullahi Sule, who is a willing and listening governor that will tackle the plights of the people.
“This is in line with the saying that ‘he who provides water provides life’. Noting that no human can survive without water,” he said.
According to him, communities should jealously protect and guard water facilities projects in their domains, as they are the end users.
Mr Muluku said Gov. Abdullahi Sule was willing and ready to tackle water challenges in the state.
This, he said, was to ensure a constant supply of portal water in the state.
On his part, Ahmed Abubakar-Kana, general manager, Nasarawa State Water Board, appreciated the new commissioner for touring water facilities across the state.

Nasarawa
He also thanked Mr Sule for prioritising water supply to communities in the state.
The general manager assured the commissioner of the board’s continued commitment to provide potable water to the people of the state.
The commissioner and his team visited state-owned water facilities in Keana, Obi, Awe, Nassarawa Eggon, Wamba and Akwanga Local Government Areas.
The team also visited the Emir of Awe, Isa Abubakar II, and the Oriye Rindre of Wamba, Justice Lawal Nagogo (Retd), for royal blessings and prayers.
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