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Natasha faces Senate disciplinary committee over rift with Akpabio

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Natasha faces Senate disciplinary committee over rift with Akpabio

THE Senate has referred Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central, to its Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review following her recent rift with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over sitiing arrangements last week, Thursday, February 20.

The committee, led by Neda Imaseun, has been given two weeks to present its findings.

The decision was made through a voice vote after Yemi Adaramodu raised a motion under Order 1(b) and 10, condemning what he described as Akpoti-Uduaghan’s “extreme intransigence” during the Senate session on February 20.

Adaramodu recalled the rift, which attracted nationwide outrage, as he urged the Senate leadership to enforce discipline and warned that “Where there is sin, there must be a penalty.”

“From that Thursday, the media was awash with this issue and I had to work on mending the perception of the 10th Senate. The Senate is not a platform for content creation but a place for lawmaking and oversight functions.”

Backing Adaramodu, another  senator, Opeyemi Bamidele, reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to upholding its rules and maintaining internal order.

According to him, “There is no one who does not have an opinion on this issue, but we are unified by our rules. Under our watch, we will not allow this institution to be discredited beyond what we inherited. Integrity is non-negotiable.”

He dismissed claims that the dispute stemmed from gender bias or discrimination, pointing to senior senators who had accepted seat changes without objection.

Responding, Akpabio directed the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to review the incident and report back to the chamber.

He recalled that the Senate rules allow members to sit anywhere, but contributions must be made from their designated seats. He suggested that unfamiliarity with Senate procedures might have contributed to the altercation.

His words, “The first day she was sworn in, she stood up to contribute, and I was worried if she had even read the rule book. There is nothing wrong with being vibrant, but everything wrong with disobeying procedure.”

Citing Order 66(2) and Section 55 of Senate rules, he noted that all senators must conduct themselves with decorum, including prohibitions on chewing gum, drinking water or being disruptive during sittings.

“The rules empower the Senate President to suspend a senator for infractions for at least 14 days. It’s not me who made the rules, it’s in the rule book.”

The ICIR reported on February 20 that Akpabio ordered Akpoti-Uduaghan to be ejected from the Senate chamber during a plenary because she disagreed with a change in her seat.

The tension began during plenary when her seat was relocated upon resumption of the session, leading to heated arguments between her and the Senate leadership.

The ICIR also reported that the Senate President’s action caused social media outrage as Nigerians criticised him for the action and described his attitudes towards female senators as not only insulting but a denigration of the female gender and an attempt to stifle female voices.

 

NNPCL seals joint venture partnership on maritime transportation

Ehime ALEX
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NNPCL seals joint venture partnership on maritime transportation

THE Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says it has sealed a new joint venture to transform Nigerian maritime transportation.

The partnership was signed between NNPC Shipping, Stena Bulk, and Caverton Marine Limited.

According to the state-owned oil company in a statement on Tuesday, February 24 by its chief corporate communications officer, Olufemi Soneye, the agreement was signed in London last week.

He said the partnership aims to create a new tanker operation serving Nigeria and West Africa crude oil and refined petroleum products’ regional and global shipping requirements.

The joint venture partners will create a new company whose objective is to provide top quality, reliable, and efficient maritime transport, Soneye stated.

The partners will also explore options to create a modern and efficient fleet of tankers, comprising both new and existing tonnage depending on market factors and commercial opportunities in the region.

The partners will evaluate opportunities for both vessel acquisitions and long-term charter arrangements, with a focus on maintaining competitive operating costs while meeting the highest standards of safety and sustainability.

“This fleet will primarily serve the logistics needs of NNPC (crude, clean, and LNG/LPG).

Additionally, the new company will cater to other oil producers and traders, offering the strategic advantage of a modern fleet, strong financial backing, and maritime pedigree and heritage,” Soneye stated.

He quoted the managing director of NNPC Shipping, Panos Gliatis, to have said that the strategic partnership is to modernise Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.

“By combining our expertise with Stena Bulk and Caverton Marine, we are creating a robust platform that will enhance our domestic refining, import, and export capabilities and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global energy logistics,” Gliatis said.

The president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Stena Bulk, Erik Hånell, remarked, “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our pragmatic strategy of expanding our presence in key growth markets while maintaining our high standards of operational excellence and sustainability. Nigeria’s energy sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and we’re proud to be part of this journey.”

On his part, the CEO of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Bode Makanjuola, added, “This joint venture, the result of many years of planning, marks a significant stride in enhancing Nigeria’s maritime capabilities. By combining local knowledge with international best practices, we are establishing a world-class operation that will benefit not only Nigeria but the entire Sub-Saharan Africa region.”

The ICIR can report that stakeholders in the industry have been concerned that maritime transportation in Nigeria has been grossly underdeveloped.

A former secretary general of the Gulf of Guinea, Adenike Ukonga, during the 2023 Lagos International Maritime Week, pointed out that the majority of the ships providing maritime transportation services in the West and Central Africa region are from Europe, Asia, and the Far East.

It is a cause of great concern to maritime industry watchers that maritime transportation with so much potential for economic emancipation and the development of the coastal countries is virtually in the hands of non-Africans and solidly in their control, she said.

Meanwhile, the NNPC joint venture comes at a time when Nigeria is asserting its position as Africa’s largest economy.

It said Nigeria’s strategic location, growing population, and ambitious infrastructure developments are creating new opportunities for shipping companies.

By establishing the tanker operation, the NNPCL believes that the partners are not only meeting immediate logistical needs but also contributing to Nigeria’s long-term economic diversification and growth.

The NNPC Shipping, which is the shipping arm of NNPCL  spearheads the integral shipping logistics operations crucial for the country’s oil and gas distribution.

The  ICIR reported that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) introduced the electronic call-up system, powered by the Eto App, to tackle the issue of truck congestion in Apapa ports and restore order to that economic gateway.

However, indiscriminate extortion and touting by hoodlums and corrupt security agencies along ports’ corridors have continued to impede the efficiency of the system.

 

Workers, NECA tackle Akpabio over claim on 30% tax payment by Nigerians

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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Workers, NECA tackle Akpabio over claim on 30% tax payment by Nigerians

THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has refuted Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s claim that less than 30 per cent of Nigerians pay tax.

The group said its members represented the largest tax-paying community in the country.

Reacting to the claim while speaking with The ICIR on Tuesday, February 25, the NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, said while Akpabio’s claims could not be immediately verified, significant Nigerians in the informal sector, including livestock marketers, farm produce sellers and artisans paid taxes.

“Even if the so-called 30 per cent was correct, it is no justification to pummel Nigerians with this kind of multiplicity and degree of taxes, corporate and income. What I can categorically say is that Nigeria Labour Congress is the largest tax-paying community in the country, yet it was not consulted before these reforms were contemplated” he said in reaction to the new tax bills sponsored by the Federal Government.

Upah said accountability and transparency in the government’s use of tax revenues had been almost nonexistent.

Recall that the Senate President on Monday, February 24, at a two-day public hearing organised by the Senate in Abuja on the contentious tax reform bills said while many citizens failed to pay taxes, they expected the government to deliver top-notch infrastructure, education, security, and other essential services.

He said less than 30 per cent of the nation’s citizens paid taxes.

Reacting, the TUC faulted the claim, and NECA blamed the government for the low payments. 

Speaking with Vanguard newspaper, the Deputy President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Tommy Okon, questioned the accuracy of Akpabio’s claim, pointing out that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) consistently exceeded its revenue targets.

“We do not know where he got his facts from, in a country where there is a dearth of data. If what he is saying is true, how come the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, always surpassed its set target? ‘’This government has taxed the masses enough, and it is even the wealthy few that evade payment of tax, not the workers whose taxes are deducted from source” he said.

Okon challenged Akpabio to identify Nigerians evading tax payments rather than making a sweeping claim.

“We are very sure that when they were campaigning for election, the issue of taxation was not a condition precedent for good governance. Honestly, such a statement should not have emanated from the legislative arms of the government, whose major role is to make laws for good governance,” he added.

Similarly, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) said the government should be blamed for creating conditions that discourage citizens from paying taxes. It said the government shared responsibility by failing to provide visible benefits from collected taxes, “which discourages compliance.”

Speaking through its Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, NECA said: “ It is not far from the truth that the majority of Nigerians don’t pay tax. While this is quite unfortunate, the government too has been culpable in giving the citizens many reasons not to pay, especially as the benefits of the taxes collected are not seen by many” 

While supporting the new tax reforms and efforts to enhance tax collection efficiency, NECA stressed the need for a system that ensures government accountability for tax revenues.

The new tax reformation bill

The ICIR reported that President Bola Tinubu proposed tax reforms in 2024, which have sparked concerns among stakeholders, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Despite opposition, the Senate went ahead and passed the four tax reform bills for a second reading in November 2024 after a heated debate.

The bills are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, expected to provide a fiscal framework for taxation in the country; the Tax Administration Bill, which provides a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduces disputes.

Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service; and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.

After deliberations on the bills were suspended at the National Assembly in 2024, following outrage against it, especially in the North, the Senate kicked off a two-day public hearing on the bills on February 24.

Entries open for 2025 Covering Climate Now journalism awards

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Entries open for 2025 Covering Climate Now journalism awards

COVERING Climate Now invites journalists globally to send entries for its 2025  Awards.

The organisers say, “This is the fifth year of our annual awards programme, and every year we’re amazed by the quality and variety of work entrants send our way.

“Last year, we received more than 1,250 entries from journalists in dozens of countries. Winners came from outlets big and small, and together, their work has represented the leading edge of climate reporting,” said the organisers.

Entry submissions will cover 14 categories of climate stories including solutions, justice, and health.

The organisers plan to honour multiple winners in each category, reflecting a range of styles, story lengths, outlet sizes, and geographic regions, to showcase the many ways journalists across the world explored similar subjects.

Work published or broadcast anytime in 2024 is eligible. The application is free.

Entries will be accepted through Monday, March 31.

Interested applicants can apply here.

US strips UK, Taiwan of visa waiver, Nigeria, others remain ineligible

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
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US strips UK, Taiwan of visa waiver, Nigeria, others remain ineligible

THE United States (US) has once again excluded Nigeria and other African countries from its 2025 Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) as part of policy updates on permit eligibility and other travel regulations.

The US Department of State recently announced a revised list of eligible countries and new travel policies, excluding African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. Under the updated list, no African country is granted visa-free entry.

Citizens from 40 countries can now travel to the US without a visa for business, tourism, and transit travel for up to 90 days in the latest policy.

While the United Kingdom (UK) and Taiwan previously eligible were left out of the programme, they could benefit if they meet certain conditions. 

However, Romania made the list as a new entrant this year, highlighting the U.S. government’s emphasis on strengthening diplomatic ties and prioritising nations with robust border security.

About the VWP 

According to the US Bureau of Consular Affairs website, the VWP allows most citizens of countries cleared for the programme to travel to the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.

The agency said eligible individuals could apply for an electronic system for travel authorisation (ESTA) before departure instead of going through a lengthy visa process. 

Nigeria has never been part of the US VWP, because the programme primarily includes countries with strong security protocols, low visa overstay rates, and reciprocal travel arrangements with the US. 

Mohbad’s death: Court clears Naira Marley, Sam Larry

Bankole ABE
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Mohbad’s death: Court clears Naira Marley, Sam Larry

THE Magistrate Court, Yaba, Lagos State, has cleared Abdulazeez Fashola, widely known as Naira Marley, from complicity in the death of Aloba Oladimeji llerioluwa, also known as Mohbad.     

The magistrate, Ejiro Kubenje, who read and executed the legal advice of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) Lagos State on the case on Tuesday, February 25, said Marley had no case to answer.

The magistrate also cleared a music promoter, Samson Balogun Eletu, fondly known as Sam Larry, and Owodunni Ibrahim (Primeboy) The court also freed Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde.

However, the DPP said it would prosecute the nurse who treated Mohbad, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and his friend, Ayobami Sadiq, for reckless and negligent acts.

Both Marley and Larry were arrested and charged by the Lagos Police Command in connection with the death of singer Mohbad in 2024.

The ICIR reported that they were granted N20 million bail on November 17, 2024, and regained freedom after spending 40 days in police custody.

The late Mohbad was signed to Marlian Records between 2020 and 2022 as he started his music career.

He died on Tuesday, September 12, in controversial circumstances. He was 27.

Shortly after his passing and his burial in the Ikorodu area of the state the following day, a petition emerged online revealing that he had submitted a complaint to the police over alleged threats to his life two months before his death.

In the petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos State, and shared by a music blogger, Ayo Jaguda, on X, Mohbad named individuals, including Sam Larry Elegushi and Elele, detailing alleged threats from them to his life and the destruction of equipment worth over N5 million he was using for a video shoot with another artiste, Zlatan Ibile. 

The petition was dated June 27, 2023.

Another suspect who was freed on Tuesday, Primeboy, was declared wanted by the Lagos State Police Command in October 2023 over the singer’s death.

The declaration followed Primeboy’s failure to honour an invitation sent to him by the police since the commencement of the investigation into the circumstances leading to Mohbad’s death. 

The Spokesperson of State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement posted on X on Wednesday, October 4.

Primeboy later submitted himself to the police.

The ICIR reported that the police exhumed Mohab’s body a day after he was buried and he has since not been buried again.

Kano ALGON: ICPC Chairman defends corruption probe, says investigation targets ‘illegal’ caretaker committee

Mustapha USMAN
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Kano ALGON: ICPC Chairman defends corruption probe, says investigation targets ‘illegal’ caretaker committee

THE Association of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON) in Kano State chapter has asked the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) to strip the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Aliyu, of his Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title.

In a petition, dated September 17, 2024, and filed by lawyer Shamsi Jibril on behalf of the Kano ALGON, and the state government, the chairmen accused Aliyu of defying a court order and using intimidation tactics under the guise of  anti-corruption investigation.

In response, the ICPC Chairman has dismissed the accusations, insisting that the agency’s investigation is lawful and targeted caretaker committees, not elected council chairmen.

ALGON claimed that despite a Kano State High Court injunction barring the ICPC from harassing or arresting them, the anti-graft agency continued its probe, targeting local government officials with invitations and attempted arrests.

“An Order of Interim Injunction is hereby granted restraining the Respondents, either by themselves, their agents, privies or any other officer(s) serving under them from disturbing, harassing threat to arrest and or detain the applicants pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice. 

“That an order of Interim Injunction is hereby granted restraining the respondents from taking further steps in connection with the matter and maintaining status quo or staying all actions pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice,” the petitioners quoted the injunction to have read.

According to the petitioners, the ICPC, along with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force, has launched parallel investigations into the same allegations, which they argue violate their constitutional rights to personal liberty, dignity, and fair hearing. 

In the petition, which was summarised in 13 paragraphs, the association also noted that the continued investigation amounts to abuse of legal process, double jeopardy, and forum shopping.

The petitioners specifically cited an incident on September 10, 2024, when ICPC officers allegedly attempted to arrest Zangina Galadima Zango, the caretaker chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government, despite the court order.

“Despite the above measures, Musa Adamu Aliyu defied the authority of this honourable court (and as well ignored the professional courtesy accorded to him by our humble selves) and directed his men to invade the house of the 35th applicant in the suit, the Chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government, Kano on September 13, 2024 at night, arrested him and illegally detained him at their head office in Abuja in connection with the subject matter of the pending case, and in clear violation of the order of the court.”

The LG chairmen are demanding that the ICPC Chairman be sanctioned, and that any further arrest or detention of their officials be declared unlawful.

“The ICPC under the leadership, legal advice and representation of Musa Adamu Aliyu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has shown utmost disdain for the courts and the independence of the judiciary, and Musa Adamu Aliyu has conducted himself in a manner unbecoming of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

“We urge you to investigate this matter with a view to ensuring that learned Silks admitted to the Inner Bar by your exalted Committee conform to the highest standard of behaviours and adherence to the rule of law.” the petitioners sought.

ICPC chairman dismisses allegations

Meanwhile, in response, the ICPC Chairman has dismissed the accusations, insisting that the agency’s investigation is lawful and targeted caretaker committees, not elected council chairmen.

Aliyu, in a letter dated February 17, 2024, to the LPPC, stated that the ICPC was acting in line with a Supreme Court ruling in June 2024 (AG Federation v. AG Abia State & Others), which declared that local governments must be headed by democratically elected officials.

He emphasised that the investigation was solely focused on caretaker committees unlawfully holding power, as the tenure of the elected LG chairmen had expired on February 12, 2024.

He further accused the caretaker chairmen of mismanaging local government funds and governing local councils in violation of the 1999 Constitution and Supreme Court decisions that have declared caretaker committees unconstitutional.

“The persons under ICPC’s investigation are the Caretaker Chairmen of the Local Government Areas in Kano State and the leadership of the Kano State House of Assembly for alleged corrupt practices and abuse of office. This is because the Kano State House of Assembly had screened a list of Caretaker Chairmen or Interim Management Committee members forwarded to it by the Governor of Kano State to manage the affairs of the Local Government Councils and extended their tenure. 

“The individuals whose names were submitted to the Assembly by the Governor allowed themselves to be used to mismanage local government funds and govern the  Councils contrary to the provision of the 1999 Constitution and in contravention of many decisions of Supreme Court declaring the appointment of any person or group of persons to run affairs of local government areas as Caretaker Committee Chairmen unconstitutional,” Aliyu wrote.

Aliyu clarified that the ICPC had only invited the caretaker chairmen to respond to allegations of corruption and abuse of office, but all of them, except Abdul Labran Madari, a lawmaker, ignored the invitations.

Background of the controversy

The ICPC’s probe began in early 2024, following the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared caretaker committees illegal and recognised only elected LG chairmen. The agency launched an investigation into allegations of mismanagement of public funds and abuse of office by caretaker committees in Kano’s 44 LGAs.

During its investigation, the ICPC claimed to have uncovered various corrupt practices involving large sums of public funds and invited the caretaker chairmen to address the findings. Consequently, it invited the caretaker chairmen to confront them with its findings. However, the chairmen reportedly ignored the invitations.

This lead to the arrest of Zangina Galadima Zango, the caretaker chairman of Rimin Gado Local Government.

Subsequently, the ICPC  filed three charges against him before the Federal High Court.

But the arrest took place after the state government and the Association of Local Government Chairmen (ALGON), Kano chapter, dragged the Commission to court over what they described as the harassment of LG chairmen, on August 26, 2024.

In their lawsuit, the local government chairmen argued that anti-corruption agencies were conducting parallel investigations into the same allegations, which they claimed constituted an abuse of legal process and amounted to double jeopardy.

On August 27, 2024, the Kano State High Court issued an injunction barring the ICPC and other federal agencies from making further arrests pending the determination of the case.

However, at the time of the court order, Kano had no elected LG chairmen, as the state government had dissolved its caretaker committees on September 19, 2024, and only held local government elections on October 26, 2024—two months after the ICPC was sued.

The ICPC chairman maintained that since February 2024, Kano State had no legally recognised LG chairmen, meaning its investigations did not violate the court ruling.

El-Rufai accuses Ribadu of plotting to eliminate northern politicians ahead of 2031 poll

Mustapha USMAN
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El-Rufai accuses Ribadu of plotting to eliminate northern politicians ahead of 2031 poll

FORMER Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu of planning to eliminate key northern politicians ahead of the 2031 presidential election. 

Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, on Monday, February 24, El-Rufai alleged that Ribadu was using anti-corruption agencies to target him and tarnish his reputation as part of a scheme to clear the path for his presidential bid.

“This project of destroying Nasir el-Rufai is Nuhu Ribadu’s conception. He is the architect and builder of that project. He is the one working with Uba Sani (Kaduna State Governor and El-Rufai’s successor) to implement it. So far, it has been frustrating for them.

“Somebody wants to destroy my reputation. Why? Nuhu Ribadu wants to be president in 2031. He has to eliminate every northerner that he thinks is on the radar,” he said.

According to him, Ribadu has been leveraging the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to coerce officials into implicating him in corruption claims.

“In fact, what they have resorted to doing is to call low-level people and some of my officials to say ‘implicate El-Rufai and your problems will go away’. This is what ICPC has become,” El Rufai said.

He maintained that the corruption allegations against his administration, particularly the claim of siphoning N423 billion, had been investigated without any evidence of wrongdoing.

“My administration was accused of siphoning N423 billion; the ICPC has investigated and found nothing. They are asking lower officials to implicate me,” he further claimed.

El-Rufai suggested that his refusal to be sidelined politically made him a target, emphasising that he had no plans to retire from politics and might consider another platform if the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) continued to drift from its founding principles.

He further expressed concerns over the party’s failure to uphold its foundational mission, stating that internal democracy within the APC had collapsed.

“I am not ready to retire from politics, so sooner or later, I may have to find another platform to pursue those progressive values that I believe in if I can’t find them in the APC,” he warned.

However, the former governor ruled out the possibility of joining the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stating that the party was not an option for him.

“One thing I can tell you for sure is that PDP is not a party that I will go to, ever. In fact, if anything, PDP has gotten worse, so you can rule that out. Other parties? Possibly.”

He also dismissed speculations that his recent political activities were geared toward a presidential bid, maintaining that he had not begun consultations for any political office.

Ribadu dismisses allegations

Meanwhile, Ribadu, in a statement, denied El-Rufai’s allegations against him, stating that he remained focused on his duties as the NSA and had no interest in engaging in political battles with El-Rufai.

“If my silence wouldn’t risk being construed as consent, I would have ignored him. I am too preoccupied with my current assignment as to get into a media fight with Nasir El-Rufai or anyone else,” he said.

He also refuted claims that he was using federal agencies to target northern politicians ahead of the 2031 elections, insisting that he had never discussed any presidential ambition.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I want to put it on record that I have never discussed running for president in 2031 with anybody. All my focus and energy are geared completely towards the advancement of Nigeria and the success of the President Tinubu administration,” Ribadu said.

The ICIR reports that El-Rufai’s remarks came amid continued criticism of the ruling APC, which he co-founded, and his call for opposition parties to unite against the current administration.

The former governor has had a fallout with the Tinubu government following his rejection during screening for a ministerial slot in 2023 due to “security concerns” raised by the National Assembly.  

But El-Rufai dismissed the claim, noting that the president deliberately excluded him from his cabinet.

One year after price review, Multichoice set for price increase March 1

Harrison EDEH
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One year after price review, Multichoice set for price increase March 1

ALMOST a year after its major price preview, Multichoice Nigeria, the parent company of DStv and GOtv, is set to increase the prices of its packages effective March 1, 2025.

In a message to its customers on Monday, February 24, titled “Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv packages,” MultiChoice chief executive officer, John Ugbe, explained the decision for the upward review in price.

“Dear Customer, please note that effective 1 March 2025, there will be a price adjustment on all DStv packages. This enables us to continue offering our customers world-class homegrown and international content, delivered through the best technology.”

According to the company, its latest price review will hike the DStv compact bouquet from N15,700 to N19,000, the compact plus to N30,000, and the premium subscription to N44,500.

Similarly, GOtv customers, who currently pay N3,600, will now pay N3,900, while the tariff on GOtv Plus will rise from N4,850 to N5,800. The GoTV max package will now cost N8,500 while the Supa will cost 11,400 and the Supa Plus, 16,800.

The cable television company has claimed the price increase is due to the increasing cost of running a business in Nigeria. It further points to currency depreciation, with the naira’s value dropping significantly, and high inflation ballooning its operation expenses.

Meanwhile, there have been growing concerns about the price preview, despite the dwindling economic fortunes of most Nigerian workers.

Nigeria has been grappling with one of its worst inflationary periods in decades, with inflation reaching 24.48 per cent as of January 2025, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The naira’s depreciation against the dollar has also compounded the challenges for businesses, particularly those with international obligations like MultiChoice.

In September 2024, MultiChoice Nigeria defended its opposition to a “pay-as-you-watch” model in court, stating that such a system is not commercially or technically feasible in satellite broadcasting due to current technological limitations. This stance was in response to consumer advocacy groups pushing for more flexible payment options.

Additionally, between April and September 2024, the company reported a loss of 243,000 subscribers, attributed to rising subscription costs and a shift towards more affordable streaming alternatives.

In May 2024, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja issued an interim order restraining MultiChoice from implementing a planned price hike for its DStv and GOtv services, following a suit that accused the company of unjustly increasing subscription fees without adequate notice.

The ICIR, also reported that the cable television company has vowed to appeal the ruling of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) after being fined N150 million for disobeying the court.

MultiChoice announced its position in a statement rejecting the order on Friday, June, 7.

Regulatory failures, economic desperation fuel fatal tanker explosions in Nigeria

Nurudeen AKEWUSHOLA
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Regulatory failures, economic desperation fuel fatal tanker explosions in Nigeria

ON January 20, 2025, a gasoline tanker accident led to an explosion that claimed at least 86 lives near the Suleja area of Niger State. The tanker overturned, spilling its contents, and later exploded moments after people began scooping fuel.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 52 other people suffered severe burns from the explosion, and 15 shops were destroyed.

Sector commander for Niger State with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kumar Tsukwam, said that people rushed to scoop the spilled petrol after the truck overturned. “The tanker burst into flames, engulfing another tanker,” he said in a statement.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that many people perished in the massive fire caused by the explosion. He described the incident as “worrisome, heartbreaking, and unfortunate.”

A disturbing pattern

Such accidents have become common in Africa’s largest oil producing country, which is grappling with its worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed numerous fuel tanker explosions, each resulting in significant loss of life and property. Experts say the frequency of these incidents points to systemic regulatory failures.

Fuel prices have increased by more than 400 percent in the last 18 months following the economic policies by President Bola Tinubu, including the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies. The changes have pushed millions into poverty, forcing many to take desperate measures for survival.

Earlier in October 2024, a similar incident occurred in Majiya, Jigawa State. A fuel tanker overturned, and as residents rushed to fetch the spilling fuel—a practice driven by economic desperation—the tanker exploded, resulting in over 150 deaths. Many victims were burned beyond recognition, while about 100 others were injured. The victims were buried together in a mass funeral organised by authorities.

In September of the same year, another 59 people were killed in Niger State after a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle.

According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), there were about 1,500 tanker accidents in 2020. Nigeria has an ageing 5,000-kilometre-long oil pipeline, but most of the 50 million litres of gasoline consumed daily are transported by road.

The Petrol Tanker Drivers Association blames the frequency of these crashes on poor road conditions and a lack of enforcement of road safety measures, including speed and load limits.

“I’m a tanker driver, I know how it is. The roads are bad,” Augustine Egbon, chairman of the Petrol Tanker Drivers Association, told VOA. “Secondly, my advice to everybody is that as soon as a tanker has an accident, nobody should go there because sometimes when a tanker falls, it will take almost two or three hours before catching fire, but when people start gathering, that’s when the fire starts.”

Speaking with The ICIR, a public affairs analyst, Ambali Abdulkabeer, explained that fuel tanker accidents stem from both human and infrastructural factors, adding that many tanker drivers are reckless, lack proper training, and are often ignorant of traffic regulations.

He pointed out that fuel tankers are not regularly maintained to ensure roadworthiness.

“Beyond these human factors, Nigerian roads are in poor condition and unfit for fuel tankers. The absence of designated routes for these vehicles worsens the situation, increasing the risk of accidents,” he said.

Beyond these human factors, Nigerian roads are in poor condition and unfit for fuel tankers. The absence of designated routes for these vehicles worsens the situation, increasing the risk of accidents

Abdulkabeer emphasised the need for the government to enforce stricter safety standards for fuel tanker operators and recommended consistent vehicle inspections and awareness campaigns on the dangers of tanker explosions.

“Drivers must be educated on the risks involved, and stringent traffic laws must be enforced to reduce recklessness on the roads,” he added.

On fuel scooping incidents, Abdulkabeer linked them to economic hardship, stating that while desperation may push people into risky behaviours, it does not justify endangering lives. “Nigerians have to take responsibility, too. Carelessness contributes to these avoidable deaths,” he noted.

He urged the government to address economic hardship, invest in road infrastructure, and create specific routes for fuel tankers to ensure safer movement. “It is unwise to allow fuel tankers to ply roads close to cities without restrictions,” he said.

Amid recurring fuel-related tragedies, Abdulkabeer stressed the need for proactive governance saying that such incidents expose failures in policy implementation, stakeholder collaboration, and leadership. “These avoidable deaths tell a disgusting story about poor management in the country. The government must wake up to its responsibilities,” he concluded.

What are the authorities doing?

After the fuel tanker fire in Enugu, Vice President Kashim Shettima stated that it was time to end avoidable tanker accidents and explosions. He emphasised that President Tinubu is seriously concerned about the frequency of these incidents and has directed relevant agencies to take decisive action.

Speaking with The ICIR, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) spokesperson, Segun Ogungbemide reiterated the agency’s commitment to curbing fuel tanker explosions while calling for a more structured approach to fuel transportation.

Ogungbemide acknowledged that while the FRSC has been working to manage the situation, the sheer volume of fuel-laden tankers on Nigerian roads poses a significant challenge.

“You will agree with me that 98 per cent of fuel movement is done on the road compared to other countries where pipelines or rail are used? We have about 6,000 tankers loaded with fuel moving across Nigeria daily. When a crash occurs, it becomes very loud because of the nature of the cargo, but when you compare it to the daily movement of tankers, you will see that the frequency of accidents is relatively low,” Ogungbemide said.

He emphasised that one of the FRSC’s primary strategies is public enlightenment. “We believe the major role we have to play is educating both the operators and the public. We engage tanker owners and drivers, ensuring they meet minimum safety standards before loading from depots,” he said.

Ogungbemide  pointed out that the absence of a structured training system for truck drivers contributes to the problem. “Imagine a company buying 500 tankers and looking for 500 drivers. Where are they getting these drivers from? We should be asking ourselves these questions,” he noted.

He called for a multi-stakeholder approach, urging road maintenance agencies, fuel regulators, and tanker integrity inspectors to play their part in ensuring safer transport conditions. “This is not something the FRSC alone can solve. It is a shared responsibility,” he stated.

On fuel scooping, he revealed that the FRSC has consistently launched awareness campaigns through traditional and social media. “We have released multiple jingles and advisories warning against scooping fuel from crashed tankers. Sadly, many explosions occur after people rush in to collect fuel,” he said.

Ogungbemide criticised Nigeria’s over-reliance on road transport for fuel distribution, which contradicts the original fuel distribution system design.

“Ideally, pipelines should transport fuel from refineries to depots, and tankers should only cover short distances. Unfortunately, we now see tankers moving from Lagos to Enugu or Kano, covering nearly 1,000 kilometres on bad roads, increasing the risk of accidents,” he explained.

He assured the public that the FRSC would continue implementing safety measures and advocating for safer transport alternatives. “We will keep educating the public, monitoring tanker conditions, and engaging stakeholders to ensure road safety,” he concluded.

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