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
Kaduna State Government Urges Residents To Obtain Building Approvals

Kaduna State Government Urges Residents To Obtain Building Approvals
Kaduna State Government urges residents to obtain building approvals. Mr Yahya said the engagement was to sensitise the traditional leaders to the need to encourage their communities to secure development permits.
The Kaduna State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KASUPDA) has urged the residents of Kujama District in Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) to obtain proper building approvals in compliance with the extant urban development regulations.
Abdurrahman Yahya, director-general of the KASUPDA, gave the advice during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the palace of the Kujama District Head.
Mr Yahya said the engagement was to sensitise the traditional leaders to the need to encourage their communities to secure development permits.
He stressed that the state government remained committed to assisting the residents in the process.
Mr Yahya bemoaned that some areas in the district, including Byagi Villa, Romi, Sabon Tasha and Gwanin-Gora, had been approved for regularisation. Yet, the turnout for obtaining approvals remained low.
“We are appealing to the traditional and religious leaders to extend this message to their people so that everyone can secure their development approvals.
“This will enhance proper planning, safety and security in the district and across the state,” he said.

Kaduna State Government
Responding, Stephen Ibrahim, the district head of Kujama, pledged to mobilise his people for compliance.
He announced plans to hold a meeting with the community members and other stakeholders to discuss the issue.
Mr Ibrahim also commended Governor Uba Sani for his inclusive approach to governance and praised KASUPDA for its open-door policy in engaging with the communities.
Economy
NERC Transfers Plateau State Electricity Oversight To State Regulator

NERC Transfers Plateau State Electricity Oversight To State Regulator
NERC transfers Plateau state electricity oversight to state regulator. Plateau is the 11th state that has obtained NERC’s order of transfer of regulatory oversight.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued an order to transfer regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Plateau to the State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC).
In a statement on its X handle on Friday, the commission said the transfer was in compliance with the amended constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFN) and the Electricity Act (EA) 2023 as Amended.
The commission said that with the EA 2023, it retained the role of a central regulator overseeing interstate/international generation, transmission, supply, trading and system operations.
”The EA also mandates any state that intends to establish and regulate intrastate electricity markets to deliver a formal notification of its processes and requests to NERC.
“The request is to transfer regulatory authority over electricity operations to the state regulator.
”Based on this, the government of Plateau complied with the conditions precedent in the laws, duly notified NERC and requested the transfer of regulatory oversight of the intrastate electricity market,” it said.
According to the commission, the transfer order has certain provisions.
“It directed Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) to incorporate a subsidiary (JED SubCo) to assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Plateau from JED. It said that JED shall complete the incorporation of JED SubCo within 60 days from March 12.
“The sub-company shall apply for and obtain a licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from PSERC, among other directives.

NERC
”All transfers envisaged by this order shall be completed by September 12,” it said.
Plateau is the 11th state that has obtained NERC’s order of transfer of regulatory oversight.
The other 10 states include Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, Imo, Oyo, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, and Niger.
Economy
Kaduna Government Unveils Electric Vehicle Initiative For Workers

Kaduna Government Unveils Electric Vehicle Initiative For Workers
Kaduna Government unveils electric vehicle initiative for workers. He said, additionally, the civil servants would enjoy a 50 per cent discount on the charging costs.
Kaduna State Government has launched an electric vehicle (EV) initiative aimed at providing civil servants in the state with affordable and eco-friendly transportation.
The scheme was unveiled at Murtala Square, Kaduna, on Friday by Governor Uba Sani, represented by his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe.
Mr Sani said that the scheme offered tricycles and electric motorcycles through subsidised loans, with repayments deducted instalmentally from the workers’ salaries.
He emphasised the state government’s commitment to easing the recurring transportation challenges for civil servants while promoting eco-friendly mobility.
He said that the scheme was a partnership between the state government, the Nigerian Labour Congress, Paynacle Digital Services Limited, and Optimus Bank.
According to Mr Sani, the initiative seeks to ease the transportation challenges of the workers while promoting clean energy.
The managing director, Bashir Ibrahim, said to ensure the project’s sustainability, Paynacle Digital Services planned to establish EV charging stations and maintenance hubs across Kaduna’s three senatorial districts.

Government Unveils Electric Vehicle
He also revealed that 10,000 electric motorcycles would be made available for the workers, while over 2,000 jobs would be created in assembly, maintenance, and technical support.
He said, additionally, the civil servants would enjoy a 50 per cent discount on the charging costs.
The official hailed Mr Sani’s administration for making Kaduna the first state to implement a large-scale electric mobility project for the workers.
He said that this aligned with the efforts to improve transportation, create jobs, and reduce carbon emissions.
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