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‘Importation is N80 cheaper’, marketers react to Dangote’s appeal

Harrison EDEH
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‘Importation is N80 cheaper’, marketers react to Dangote’s appeal

MAJOR marketers have confirmed sourcing their petroleum products from cheaper sources due to the total deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector and pricing concerns with Dangote Refinery management.

Some of them have continued importing, raising concerns about pricing modalities from Dangote Refinery which was widely believed could be lower while also meeting up with local fuel demands of 50 million litres.

To state the least, the Nigeria Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) owns a stake in the Dangote Refinery. However, the group chief executive officer of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has voiced concerns over low patronage from oil marketers and the NNPCL.

“We are currently hearing from some marketers that importation is N80 cheaper when compared with Dangote’s price. Just like any business marketers are looking for cheaper sources for their products. For now, Dangote is not offering a cheaper price,”Adetunji Oyebanji, former chairman of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMMAN) told The ICIR.

This response followed a recent appeal by the chairman and chief executive of Dangote Group-Aliko Dangote, who expressed concerns over poor patronage from marketers and the NNPCL.

The ICIR has earlier reported that Dangote had decried poor patronage from marketers and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited-NNPCL, appealing for committed patronage.

He disclosed that the refinery could produce over 30 million litres daily at full capacity and was holding 500 million litres in reserve, enough to supply the country for over 12 days without imports.

In a swift reaction to possible reasons for poor patronage from marketers, the former chairman of the major oil marketers association of Nigeria (MOMMAN), Adetunji Oyebanji told The ICIR that pricing reasons could be one of the major causes of low patronage concerns from marketers and the NNPCL.

“If the marketers are not patronising you, there must be a reason. For me, any reasonable person would ask questions about pricing, and terms to customers, asking them to pay upfront or price variations.

“His comments need more interrogation and he should speak to why marketers are not patronising him. As a business person with good payment terms and pricing, the customers will come to you. What he’s doing is more like whipping up sentiments, “he added.

“What I am hearing from some colleagues is that it’s about N80 cheaper to import than to buy from him. I know he’s in business and has to repay the $20b billion loan, but he has to pay attention to pricing,” he said further.

Commenting further on the development, the president of petroleum retail outlets owners of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy-Gillis Harry, told The ICIR that Dangote has to come clear with his business terms in order to do business with marketers.

“PETROAN is ready to buy from him as we have thousands of retail outlets willing to do business with him. However, he needs to make the business terms very clear to us. We need to know the pricing, and we need to understand properly the terms.

He said, “There has to be dynamics in terms of profit projections, payment terms, pricing because we’d need to be sure of paying for product N10,50 and the price not dropping before we finished loading. This is about market dynamics and pricing.

He added, “I sent the same letter to him (Dangote) yesterday, October 30,2024, to ask for a meeting, so, we can determine the modality of business. We cannot drive our tankers into the Dangote refinery to start buying products just like that. We must have a business meeting to determine the modalities, make our inputs, and compare notes.

Since President May 29, 2023, announced the end of the fuel subsidy, petrol prices have soared from N145 to over N1,000, intensifying the financial strain on citizens.

“We are still in the season of price movement and the effects of fuel subsidy removal are taking its toll on price stability. Let’s give it more time and let everything stabilise, “Billy-Gillis Harry added.

Nollywood mourns passing of oldest actor Agbako

Itoro ETUKUDO
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Nollywood mourns passing of oldest actor Agbako

NOLLYWOOD actors and actresses have taken to social media to mourn the demise of veteran actor, Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, popularly known as Agbako.

Agbako was aged 101.

He was the oldest surviving Nollywood actor.

Agbako reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday, October 31, after complaining of tiredness and taking a nap.

His death was announced on Instagram by the president of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr Latin.

 “#tampanglobal announces the passing of Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, fondly known as Agbako. Details of the burial arrangements will be shared at a later time. Good night father, 25/02/1923 to 31/10/2024,” Mr Latin wrote.

Also confirming his demise, veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, wrote on Instagram, “Good night ooo, Baba Charles. a.k.a Agbako, 101 years, ba wasa ba. R I P.”

Mourning his demise, actor Kunle Afod, took to Instagram to bid him farewell.

“Goodnight pa, Charles Olumo (Baba Agbako). The oldest actor, 101 years. Sun re ooo, O dabo, O di Oju Ala, (Rest in peace, till we meet again)” he stated.

Similarly, Funke Akindele shared, , “Awwwwwwww, may his soul rest in peace. Wow. Oluwa tobi loba (God is great)”.

Omowunmi Ajiboye wrote, “Rest in perfect peace sir, goodnight legend”.

Similarly, Abeni Balogun Fausat stated, “Rest in peace Daddy.”

Agbako started his career with stage plays before going fully into the film industry and gaining prominence in Nollywood.

He starred in numerous films, including Ogbori Elemosho and Atorunmo. He attracted large audiences because of his daring and often fearful look and characterisation in movies.

He was born in 1923 and he celebrated 100th birthday on July 20, 2023, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The ICIR reports that the Nigerian film industry suffered a string of losses in 2024, with not less than ten actors and actresses giving up the ghost between January 1 and April 10.

The industry recorded a number of veteran actor deaths, including Amaechi Muonagor, John Okafor, widely known as Mr Ibu and Sisi Quadri.

Strike: Nigerian government invites SSANU, NASU for talks as NAAT threatens showdown

Bankole ABE
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Strike: Nigerian government invites SSANU, NASU for talks as NAAT threatens showdown

THE Federal Government has invited the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the striking Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) for dialogue.

According to SSANU vice president, Abdussobur Salaam, the meeting is scheduled for today (Thursday), October 31.  

Salaam told PUNCH that the union received an official invitation from the government on Wednesday.

The ICIR reported on Monday, October 28, that SSANU and NASU commenced an indefinite strike over unmet demands from the Federal Government.

The committee announced the strike in a statement on Sunday, October 27,  jointly signed by the national president of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, and the general secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi.

They noted that the ultimatum they gave the government over their members’ withheld salaries would expire Sunday midnight.

The unions are demanding, among others, the payment of their four-month withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances and implementation of the 2009 agreement with the government.

Meanwhile another union in the education sector, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), on Wednesday, threatened to embark on a protest and strike in the next two weeks over withheld salaries.

It vowed to picket the Federal Ministry of Finance on November 14 and organise a nationwide protest on November 6 in response to the “unpleasant way” university employees were treated.

The president of the NAAT, Ibeji Nwokoma, told reporters at Labour House in Abuja on Wednesday that the planned protest and strike arose from the government’s failure to meet his group’s demands, including payment of five and a half months of withheld salaries and the full implementation of a 2009 agreement with NAAT.

Electricity restored in Lafia, Markurdi, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, others -TCN

Harrison EDEH
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Electricity restored in Lafia, Markurdi, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, others -TCN

THE Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has confirmed power restoration in some parts of northern states which witnessed power outages for two weeks as a result of the activities of vandals.

The transmission company which confirmed the restoration of Apir-Lafia 330kV transmission line 2 which was previously vandalised informed that bulk power transmission has been restored to Lafia, Makurdi, Plateu, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe states.

The power restoration confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday,  October 29, by the TCN’s general manager of public affairs, Ndidi Mbah.

The company disclosed that it restored bulk power supply through its 330kV Ugwuaji-Apir transmission line 1 as of 4:56 pm on Wednesday to some Northern states in Nigeria.

The restoration follows the completion of repairs on the vandalised section of the line.

Just last week, all the Nigerian northern states were thrown into overwhelming darkness raising concerns over its impact on economic activities within the region.

The ICIR reported that the disruption was due to the vandalisation of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, the major line that supplies electricity to the north.

The transmission line is a critical infrastructure that supplies power to the region.

TCN said, “As restoration efforts continue, with the TCN engineering team preparing to commence work on the second 330kV transmission line. All necessary materials for the repairs are on hand, and work will begin as soon as the site is secured for the safety of our personnel to the affected sections of the vandalised 330kV transmission line two”

“In the meantime, teams of linesmen will re-patrol the 330kV line 2 to ensure that no other sections are impacted as the repair works progress.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding as our engineers work diligently to restore the 330kV transmission line 2. TCN recognises the importance of electricity in our daily lives and is committed to ensuring that this line is repaired swiftly, thereby increasing the bulk power to the area affected by the incident”, she added.

Recall, while addressing journalists on Tuesday, October 29, the TCN’s managing director, Sule Abdulaziz assured that power would be restored to the northern states today.

He said, “As I am talking to you now, Line 1, which can carry 400 megawatts, is going to be ready between today and tomorrow. The second line is going to be ready latest on Sunday, November 3, 2024.”

Tinubu appoints acting Army chief as concerns mount over Lagbaja’s health

Bankole ABE
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Tinubu appoints acting Army chief as concerns mount over Lagbaja’s health

WEEKS after the Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, has disappeared from public space in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu appointed Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, a major general, to act in his place on Wednesday, October 30.

According to a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga,  Oluyede will act in the position pending when Lagbaja, whom the presidency said was indisposed, returns to Nigeria.

Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th  Regular Course.

According to his profile, which accompanied Onanuga’s statement, Oluyede was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992. He rose to major-general in September 2020.

He has led many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was platoon commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, company commander at 177 Guards Battalion, staff officer Guards Brigade, commandant amphibious Training School.

Oluyede has participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, Operation Harmony IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.

He has also earned many honours for his service in various fields of operations.  He is married and has three children.

The appointment is coming a few days after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had no provision for an acting chief of Army staff.

Consequently, the DHQ said it would not appoint any officer to stand in for the COAS Lagbaja, who has been away from the country for some time.

These were contained in a statement released by the DHQ on its official X handle on Monday, October 21, and signed by the director of defence information, Tukur Gusau, a brigadier general.

The statement followed rumours that an acting COAS had been appointed to stand in for Lagbaja, whose absence forced many Nigerians to suspect he was ill.

The suspicion climaxed on Sunday when a former presidential aide and social media commentator, Jackson Ude, announced on X that the COAS was dead.

Responding, the Army said the rumours were untrue.

In the statement released on Monday, the DHQ said Lagbaja was on “a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.”

It added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria were professionally managed and all the service chiefs performed their duties as stipulated in the Nigerian Constitution.

Lawmaker Ikwechegh gets N500,000 bail for assaulting Bolt driver

Itoro ETUKUDO
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Lawmaker Ikwechegh gets N500,000 bail for assaulting Bolt driver

FOR assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abutwaseya, the Nigeria Police Force charged a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh to court on Wednesday, October 30.

Ikwechegh was charged before a magistrate court in the Kuje area of the FCT where he was granted N500,000 bail.

He was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on assault and threat to life.

The charges were filed by the inspector general of police’s special investigation unit.

The ICIR reported that the lawmaker, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State was seen assaulting and threatening a delivery Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in a video that went viral on Monday, October 28.

The legislator appeared visibly angry in the footage, engaging in a heated exchange with the driver before resorting to physical intimidation and vocal threats and eventually slapping him.

However, he later expressed regrets for slapping and threatening the bolt driver, tendering an apology in a statement titled “A Statement of Regret and Commitment to Justice.”

Ikwechegh acknowledged that his actions fell short of what was expected of a public servant.

He pledged to assist the police in their investigation of the attack.

“I want to assure the public that I am fully cooperating with the Nigerian Police investigation into this matter. I support their efforts to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable,” part of his statement read.

He regretted the embarrassment and harm caused to the Bolt driver, his constituents in Abia State, and Nigeria as a whole.

Meanwhile, the Police public relations officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who spoke with The ICIR on the issue said it did not make sense for people to use the name of the inspector general of police (IGP) to threaten others, noting that the lawmaker might not even have the direct contact of the IGP.

“It doesn’t make any sense for people to use the name if the IG to threaten or harass anybody. In the case of extortion, people will mention the IG’s name, even some officers do it.

“Like the case of the honourable, he may not even have the IGP’s number but he said that in anger and got arraigned. We don’t encourage Nigerians to harass, intimidate and extort,” he said.

Strike: SSANU decries Nigerian government’s silence

Bankole ABE
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Strike: SSANU decries Nigerian government’s silence

THE Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) said it had yet to hear from the Federal Government  concerning its ongoing strike.

The national vice president of SSANU, Abdussobur Salaam, stated in an interview with PUNCH on Tuesday, October 29, that the strike continued with the government’s silence.

“Some informal contacts were made between the minister of state for education and our union executives, but there’s been no real progress so, just an informal appeal.

“This issue has persisted for a long time, with repeated promises that have not been fulfilled. All our ultimatums have expired, and we still haven’t received any payments,” he said.

He added, “We have come too far and can no longer accept empty promises. If we don’t receive our payments, we won’t back down.”

He asked the authorities to act promptly.

The ICIR reported on Monday, October 28, that SSANU and NASU commenced an indefinite strike.

The unions announced this in a statement on Sunday, October 27,  jointly signed by the national president of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, and general secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi.

They noted that the ultimatum given to the Federal Government over their members’ withheld salaries would expire on Sunday midnight.

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The unions are demanding, among others, the payment of the four-month withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government.

The ICIR reports that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, invoked the ‘no work, no pay’ policy when the four university-based unions embarked on a prolonged strike in 2022.

Recall that during the most recent protest by JAC of NASU and SSANU, which took place on July 18, 2024, at Unity Fountain in Abuja, the government was given ten days to pay the withheld salaries in order to prevent the closure of universities and inter-university centres. 

Court stops federal allocation to Rivers

Bankole ABE
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Court stops federal allocation to Rivers

THE Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to withhold the Federal Government’s monthly allocation to Rivers State Government.

The presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, in a ruling on Wednesday, October 30, maintained that the presentation of the 2024 budget by the Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to four members of the state House of Assembly was an was an aberration and an affront to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended)

According to the judge, Fubara’s receipt and distribution of monthly allocations since January 2024 was illegal.

She directed Zenith Bank, Access Bank, the CBN, and the Accountant General of the Federation to stop Fubara from getting access to funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.

The judge delivered the ruling in response to a lawsuit brought before the court by the Rivers State House of Assembly, headed by Martins Amaewhule.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2024, the plaintiff had sued the CBN, Zenith Bank PLC, Access Bank PLC, the AGF, Fubara, the Accountant General of Rivers State, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSEIC), and the Chief Judge of the state, among others.

The Court had earlier dismissed an application by the state government and other defendants in the suit to stay proceedings, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal already filed before the Court of Appeal.

The ICIR reported that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Thursday, October 10, upheld the Federal High Court’s judgment, delivered by James Omotosho on January 22, affirming that the 2024 Rivers State budget of renewed hope was not presented before members of the State Assembly as required by law.

The court reprimanded the state governor for acting in contravention of the Constitution.

The court ruled that Fubara had committed a flagrant breach of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, by presenting the 2024 Rivers State Appropriation Bill to just four of the Assembly’s 31 members.

The Court, in a unanimous judgment, also affirmed Amaewhule as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and dismissed the appeal filed by the Fubara for lacking in merit.

Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, have been at loggerheads over who controls the PDP structure in the state, with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to resolve the stalemate yielding no result.

The crisis resulted in 27 House members loyal to Wike defecting to the APC. Enraged by the defection, Fubara declared their seats vacant.

To further demonstrate that he was the one in charge of the state, Fubara subsequently ordered the LGA chairmen elected under Wike to vacate their seats, stating that they had completed their term.

The ensuing crisis led to police taking over the 23 LGA secretariats in the state for months.

Unfazed, Fubara proceeded to conduct a local government election in the state on October 6 against a court order.

The ICIR reported that the crisis in the state turned violent on Monday, October 7, when hoodlums set two LGA headquarters ablaze in the oil-rich state.

Police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, while announcing the police withdrawal from the state’s 23 LGA secretariats, said the organisation would not hesitate to return the officers should the need arise.

The ICIR reported on Sunday, October 6, that the state governor Fubara swore in all the newly-elected 23 local government chairmen shortly after the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) announced the election results for the last local government.

The African People’s Party (APP) won 22 out of the 23 local government chairmanship seats in the state, according to results announced by RSEIC.

Experts advocate standardised laboratory testing to address blood group, genotype inconsistencies

Fatimah QUADRI
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Experts advocate standardised laboratory testing to address blood group, genotype inconsistencies

STAKEHOLDERS in Nigeria’s health sector have advocated standardised management systems in the nation’s laboratories, including comparing results between labs and regular quality checks by independent bodies before such reports are released.  

A UK-based biomedical scientist, virologist and infectious disease expert. Solomon Chollom, a doctor, and the founder of Love for Health Organisation (LHO), Yusuf Harun, also a doctor, stated this during an X space organised by The ICIR on Saturday, October 26, 2024, with the theme, “Why are there inconsistencies in Genotype/blood group tests results.

They both noted that inconsistent genotype and blood group testing in Nigerian laboratories was often driven by outdated equipment and a lack of quality control, posing a risk to patient safety. 

They further emphasised the importance of improving testing accuracy through better training, reliable equipment, public sensitisation and adherence to global quality standards, aimed at bridging the gap in healthcare reliability for Nigerian patients.

Flyer of the X space
Flyer of the X space

Chollom noted that many laboratories in Nigeria lacked essential equipment, such as pH meters needed for precise solution measurement, resulting in unregulated and inconsistent performance despite the efforts of  the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria.

“I know the Medical Laboratory Science Council in Nigeria is doing a lot to have laboratories mainstream into standard practices by implementing laboratory management systems. And when that is in place, it comes up with policies that before you are able to perform any assay, you need to have standard operating procedures (SOP) just by the site.

“Periodically, you need to subscribe to what we call external quality assurance practices. The external quality assurance practices would give you access, wherein an independent body could send blind samples for you to do an analysis. And then the outcomes would be compared with other findings from other laboratories.” Chollom stated.

On his part, Haroun highlighted that while laboratory errors contributed to inconsistencies in testing, the transition from fetal to adult hemoglobin resulting from genetic mutations could also contribute to the inconsistencies.

He further stated that part of the measures public health institutions could take to ensure more accurate and reliable testing for the public is raising public awareness to ensure individuals are informed about their blood group and genotype.

“It is advisable that parents are counselled well, couples are counselled properly before marriage, and adults are also counselled.

“Young people are educated in schools. From primary schools, they should even start talking about blood groups. education, public awareness, and health sensitisation are very important in creating this type of awareness.” Haroun said.

A listener, who simply identified himself as Taiwo also suggested that implementing control measures was essential to ensuring accurate blood group and genotype results.

“The Nigerian system is such a system that even the cost of running those tests are far cheaper than the procedures the laboratory scientists are doing. So, sometimes, they want to do it and just get out of the result.” Taiwo noted.

The ICIR had reported how laboratory errors, improper storage or use of expired reagents and human discrepancies amongst others were the causes of inconsistent genotype/blood group testings.

Senate approves over N24bn refund for construction of airports in Kebbi, Nasarawa

Harrison EDEH
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0
Senate approves over N24bn refund for construction of airports in Kebbi, Nasarawa

THE Senate on Tuesday, October 29, approved over N24 billion as a promissory note refund to the Kebbi and Nasarawa state governments for construction works on the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin-Kebbi, and the Lafia Cargo Airport, respectively.

The federal government assumed control and ownership of the two airports, necessitating a reimbursement to the respective state governments.

Kebbi state government is to get a refund of N15,137,336,095.88 while Nasarawa State is to be paid N9,542,651,786.11.

The resolution of the senate followed its consideration and adoption of the report of the senate committee on Local and Foreign Debts titled: “Promissory note programme for the refund to Kebbi State and Nasarawa State Government on the newly constructed airport projects executed on behalf of the Federal Government” during plenary.

The report was presented on behalf of the chairman of the committee, Aliyu Wamakko by Haruna Manu, the vice chairman of the panel.

The committee stated in its observations and findings that the Kebbi and Nasarawa state governments duly completed all the projects for which they are seeking a refund.

It said that the Airports were constructed in line with the contract specification and would stand the test of time.

It revealed that a series of inspection visits were carried out by the federal ministry of Aviation on the two Airports completed by the States and “ascertained that the quality of work done met the required standard.”

It said that the state governments have paid all the contractors that executed the projects.

It added, “The proposed amount due for reimbursement to Kebbi State Government as reviewed by the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) is N15,137,336,095.88, for Construction of Sir, Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, project by the Kebbi State Government.

“And the sum of N9,542,651,786.11 be reimbursed to Nasarawa State Government for the construction of Lafia Cargo Airport.

“That the Federal Bureau of Public Procurement has ascertained and certified that due process was followed
accordingly.”

The Committee recommended that the Senate approve the Promissory Note Programme to settle outstanding claims and liabilities of the Kebbi State Government in the sum of N15,137,336,095.88.

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Also, the sum of N9,542,651,786.11 is reimbursed to the Nasarawa state government for the construction of Lafia Cargo Airport.

It urged the federal government to prioritise the “settlement of incurred debts through the issuance of Promissory Notes for the settlement of outstanding reimbursement debts to States, Judgement Debts and other debt liabilities incurred by the federal ministries, department, and agencies (MDA’s) to avoid further cost and liabilities to the Federal Government.”

Senators approved the recommendations of the committee when they were put to voice vote by deputy senate president, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary.

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