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Petrol Imports Surge By 105 percent To N15.42tn – NBS Report

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NBS Report

Petrol Imports Surge By 105 percent To N15.42tn – NBS Report

Petrol imports surge by 105 percent to N15.42tn. Nigeria’s petrol imports doubled in 2024 despite increased domestic refining capacity, reinforcing the country’s continued dependence on foreign fuel, according to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Data from the NBS foreign trade statistics report shows that petrol import costs rose by 105.3%, reaching N15.42 trillion in 2024, up from N7.51 trillion in 2023.

This significant increase comes at a time when local refining was expected to ease reliance on imports, following the launch of the 650,000 bpd Dangote Refinery and ongoing rehabilitation of state-owned refineries.

However, available data suggests that local refineries are yet to reach full production capacity to meet domestic demand.

Over the past five years, Nigeria’s fuel import bill has consistently risen:
2020: N2.01 trillion
2021: N4.56 trillion
2022: N7.71 trillion
2023: N7.51 trillion
2024: N15.42 trillion (highest on record)

Continued Petrol Imports Despite Local Refining
Between September and December 2024, oil marketers imported 2.3 billion litres of petrol, contradicting earlier commitments to shift focus to domestic supply.

NBS Report

NBS Report

Despite operational local refineries, including:
Dangote Refinery (650,000 bpd, Lagos)
Port Harcourt Refinery (210,000 bpd, with 60,000 bpd in operation)
Warri Refinery (resumed operations in December 2024)

oil marketers still imported 6.38 billion litres of petrol and diesel in the past five months.

Forex Pressure & Market Competition
The importation of fuel cost about N6 trillion, further straining Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves.

However, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) argues that continued importation promotes market competition and price stability.

MEMAN’s Executive Secretary, Clement Isong, stated: “Importation contributes to market competitiveness. Local refining is important, but ensuring competition with imports keeps pump prices as low as possible.”

The debate over fuel imports vs. local refining continues as Nigeria seeks to balance domestic production, pricing, and forex stability.

Economy

Jigawa Government, Azman University Partner To Enhance Education Development

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Jigawa Government, Azman University Partner To Enhance Education Development

Jigawa government, Azman University partner to enhance education development. Ms Muhktar said, “I assure you that the Jigawa State government will continue to be a valued partner.’’

The Jigawa State government said it will partner with the Azman University to enhance educational opportunities and promote human capital development.

Governor Umar Namadi stated this during a courtesy visit by the Vice-Chancellor, Fatima-Batool Mukhtar, on Thursday in Dutse.

She said the state government would explore areas of collaboration to support innovative learning and sponsor students in specialised programmes to enhance skill development.

The governor said the partnership also focused on computing, data science, aviation management and artificial intelligence (AI).

“I assure you that the Jigawa State government will continue to be a valued partner,” she said.
Mr Namadi highlighted the relevance of the specialised programmes being offered by the university and reaffirmed his commitment to explore opportunities for indigent students.

He said that the introduction of innovative online courses was designed to attract students and scholars to the university.

Earlier, Ms Mukhtar said the institution was committed to quality education, innovation and excellence.

She said the university introduced online learning services, a compulsory e-learning week and the Students’ Consultative Forum, to encourage students engagement in decision-making.

“We have online services that allow students to attend lectures from home, while lecturers can also teach from their homes.

For the students and staff to be familiar with this, we have set aside one week every semester for compulsory e-learning week,” she said.

She also called for more collaboration in computer programming with notable industry players such as Cisco, Huawei and Oracle Academy.

Jigawa

Jigawa

“Your Excellency, Azman University is already gaining strength in computing programmes, and already we have registration with Cisco, Huawei and Oracle Academy. We are certified instructors for Huawei.

“So, we would like to appeal to your excellency to partner with us in your community development projects and skills development for youth for certified courses in computing programmes,” Ms Muktar said.

The VC commended the state government over the 32 per cent budgetary allocation to the education sector and the N3 billion grant to the scholarship board in the 2025 fiscal year.

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Economy

House Of Reps Approve Tax Reform Bills 

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House Of Reps Approve Tax Reform Bills

House Of Reps approve tax reform bills. Mr Faleke said, “These bills underwent three full days of public hearings, with input from over 80 key stakeholders.’’

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, James Faleke (APC-Lagos), has assured Nigerians that the tax reform bills will produce widely acceptable laws.

Mr Faleke gave this assurance on Thursday after the House considered and adopted the report on the four tax reform bills during its session in Abuja.

The bills include the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill.

He said, “These bills underwent three full days of public hearings, with input from over 80 key stakeholders. Afterward, we held an eight-day retreat to debate each clause. I am glad that House members recognised our thorough work and approved all our recommendations.’’

He expressed appreciation to fellow lawmakers and Nigerians who engaged with the bills, assuring that the resulting laws will be acceptable to all.

Mr Faleke also thanked the House leadership for entrusting his committee with processing the tax bills and presenting them for consideration.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising tax law reforms, noting that some existing tax laws date as far back as 1959.

“We cannot continue using outdated tax laws that no longer meet our business, survival, and revenue needs,” he stressed.

Deputy Committee Chairman, Saidu Abdullahi (APC-Niger), said no bill in the 10th Assembly had generated as much debate as the tax reform bills.

He praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for fostering consensus among stakeholders, ensuring broad-based input into the legislative process.
Mr Abdullahi highlighted that representatives from geopolitical zones and regional thought leaders were involved, easing public concerns.

He stated, “The committee’s recommendations reflect the contributions of various stakeholders. These were never seen as perfect documents. The executive made proposals, and the public hearing allowed Nigerians to refine them. Lawmakers have now endorsed the final version.’’

Also, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) described the process as transparent, with consultants and the executive making adjustments to reflect public interest.

Tax

Tax

Mr Ugochinyere said, “In spite of being in the opposition, we are proud of this historic moment. It will expand the tax net and increase government revenue. This reform will enhance tax collection efficiency while protecting small businesses. That is why we worked together to ensure its passage.’’

On his part, Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos) said stakeholder concerns, including inheritance tax, derivation, and VAT, were carefully considered.

He said, “This is a great day for Nigeria. The necessary reforms have been approved by the House, and we now await Senate concurrence.’’

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Economy

Tinubu Welcomes Brazilian Delegation For Bilateral Talks

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Tinubu

Tinubu Welcomes Brazilian Delegation For Bilateral Talks

Tinubu welcomes Brazilian delegation for Bilateral talks. A Brazilian delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Viera visited Abuja to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Brazil.

The visit included delivering an official invitation from Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for President Bola Tinubu to visit Brazil soon.

Discussions focused on trade, investment, and cultural collaboration, with both nations signing agreements to enhance bilateral relations.

Viera praised Tinubu’s participation in the G-20 summit in Brazil last November and emphasized the need for deeper ties in culture, economics, and education.

Tinubu

Tinubu

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tuggar, highlighted Brazil’s historic support, recalling its participation in Nigeria’s independence celebrations, underscoring the long-standing relationship between both countries.

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