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Marketers Blame NNPC for fuel scarcity, seek help from Govt

Marketers have turned to depot owners to obtain petrol for their retail outlets, resulting in a slight increase in prices across the country.

The National President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, spoke on behalf of the marketers during Channels Television’s The Morning Brief breakfast program on Tuesday.

Petrol scarcity has recently hit the country, with the state-managed NNPC blaming the shortage on “adverse weather conditions” and “flooding”.

Long queues at filling stations have worsened traffic conditions, with many people stranded at bus stops due to doubled transport fares.

Aside from NNPC filling stations selling at about N570 in Lagos, retail outlets owned by independent marketers have raised their prices from about N615 to over N650.

Prices are even higher in Abuja and other states.

Gillis-Harry confirmed that the NNPC, which imports petrol and supplies marketers, has not changed its price, adding that the company was upgrading its platform, which should be concluded soon.

He added, “But that did not stop NNPC from making alternative arrangements to ensure we have petroleum products. As far as we know, the challenges are all supply-based.

“If we do not get the product directly from NNPC, we will get it from depots struggling to do everything to get products out in the market, so the prices will not be the same.

“If there is anybody to be blamed; it should be blamed on the source of the products because retailers only sell what we are given, we do not import or refine.”

Gillis-Harry noted that the cost of logistics is becoming more complex due to the scarcity and expense of diesel used by trucks.

He suggested that the government should subsidize the logistics costs for fuel distribution across Nigeria.

He denied allegations that petrol marketers are taking advantage of Nigerians by hiking prices.

He stated that the highest cost of petrol should not exceed N680.

“I would expect that the highest price in petroleum where the depots operate – Lagos, Delta, Calabar, Rivers State – should be anything between N620 to N680 maximum. And when you add all the transportation issues that should take it from state to state, you can then look at the incremental additions that can come in, and make us not to be selling at N1,000,” Gillis-Harry said.

Gillis-Harry highlighted that forex shortages have impeded the importation of petroleum products, limiting the full implementation of deregulation in the sector.

“If we are importing products in a way that the deregulation is set for us to be able to import, which we desire to do, but we are hamstrung by the unavailability of foreign exchange to make that endeavour work.

“Even though we don’t want Nigeria to be an import-centred place for PMS, we need PMS to be able to work until our refineries are producing,” he said.

Gillis-Harry urged Nigerians to be patient and understanding as the current fuel shortages would be resolved. Punch

 

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2025 Budget: N4.5trn additional revenue will support economic diversification – Minister

APC Presidential Primary Most Competitive, Peaceful In Nigeria’s Democracy, Buhari Commends Bagudu

Sen Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has said the N4.5 trillion additional revenue in the 2025 budget would support the diversification programme of the President Bola Tinubu administration.

The minister said this while speaking to State House Correspondents on Wednesday in Abuja.

Bagudu said the N4.5 trillion additional revenue would be used to strengthen the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry and support the diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects.

“You will recall Mr President submitted a N49 trillion budget to the National Assembly and legislative work commenced.

“The legislative work continued with interactions between the executive and the National Assembly, and the National Assembly and the Economic Management Team continued to interrogate all the figures.

“In that process, the Senate Committees on Appropriation, National Planning and Finance established that we can generate more revenue by tasking all the institutions to do more,” said the minister.

He said the Federal Inland Revenue Service confirmed that the government-owned enterprises as well as the Customs Service could contribute more revenue.

“So, additional revenue amounting to over N4.5 trillion was established, and this was taken to the President.

“He guided that this additional revenue be used to further strengthen the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, support the diversification programme by putting more money in the solid minerals sector as well as infrastructure projects,” said Bagudu.

On the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) adjustment, he said, even when the budget was submitted, the MTEF was amended.

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Tinubu directs security and intelligence agencies to harmonize operations to combat security challenges

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Security and Intelligent Agencies to harmonize their operations and adopt a whole of society approach in combating evolving Security challenges.

Mr. President underscored the critical importance of joint security operational effectiveness in tackling Nigeria’s emerging security challenges.

President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar gave the charge at the opening session of the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference held at Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The President commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) for their unwavering dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. He noted that this year’s conference theme, “Enhancing Jointness across all Theatres of Operations,” aligns seamlessly with his administration’s strategic vision for a more secured Nigeria.

“This forum is expedient and timely especially at this time where the security landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving. Such a landscape undoubtedly requires us to harmonize our efforts and evolve proactive and innovative measures that can decisively address the security threats,“ he stated.

President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for enhanced collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies, and other security organizations to maximize operational efficiency. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces and all security agencies, and further highlighted the importance of continuous strategy re-evaluation, the integration of emerging technologies, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation.

“I therefore urge you to holistically explore,in detail,the concept of jointness, while harnessing the power of emerging technologies and innovation. I further implore you to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain an agile, adaptable and lethal force performing at its highest potential,“ he emphasized.

President Tinubu also expressed gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and all officers and personnel of the Armed Forces for organizing the conference. He reiterated his administration’s full support for Nigeria’s security forces.

In conclusion, President Tinubu wished the participants fruitful deliberations, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the conference will significantly contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s national security framework.

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Gov. Lawal mourns 17 students who died in Zamfara fire tragedy

Governor Dauda Lawal has expressed his condolences to the families of the 17 students who lost their lives in the fire tragedy at the Almajiri School in Zamfara State.

At least 17 students have tragically lost their lives due to a fire at an Almajiri school in Kaura-Namoda LGA of the state.

In a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, described the fire incident as highly unfortunate.

“I’m heartbroken by the tragic fire on Tuesday at Makarantar Mallam Ghali, an Almajiri School located in the Kauran Namoda local government area.

“On behalf of the Zamfara State Government, we extend our condolences to the families, the school, and the entire nation as we mourn the loss of these young souls.

“During this time of sorrow, may Almighty Allah provide strength and comfort to the grieving families as they navigate this difficult period. I extend my wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

“As a responsible government, we would examine the underlying causes of this fire and seek methods to prevent its recurrence in the future.

“We will provide all necessary support and assistance to the victims’ families.”

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