Gbenga Kayode | ����

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive (CE) of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Lagos, has said Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end as his oil-refining facility commenced production a year ago.

���� reports Dangote stated this Monday, September 15, 2025, while speaking at a conference to mark the 1st Anniversary of the launch of petrol roll-out from the 650,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) oil refinery, in Lagos.

A Fleet of Dangote’s Compressed Natural Gas-Powered Trucks Loading with PMS at Dangote Petroleum Refinery Gantry, Lagos, at the Unveiling of CNG-Powered Trucks for Free Logistics for Distribution Scheme and 1st Anniversary of the Refinery’s PMS Roll-Out, in Lagos  

He also highlighted that Nigerians have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975.

Energy consumers ‘witnessing a new era’ in Nigeria

The President if Dangote Group, however, noted this issue has been steadily resolved since the Dangote Petroleum Refinery activated oil production September 3, 2024.

He explained: “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era.”

Acknowledging the numerous challenges, which the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote also emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.

The Chief Executive of Dangote Group stated: “The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria.

“Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true.”

He averred: “What we have done is to make our country and continent proud.

“Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa.”

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the refinery’s development, Dangote disclosed that the project involved enormous risk.

According to him, he received repeated warnings from industry experts, investors, local and foreign government officials, who argued that only sovereign countries undertook such large-scale refinery ventures.

Why I dared the odds: Dangote

Dangote enthusiastically admitted that had the petroleum refinery project failed at the time, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.

He recalled: “The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets.

“But we believed in Nigeria and Africa.”

The President of Dangote Group further said despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the South-West region, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara states in Nigeria.

With the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.

Dangote noted that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports.

The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Petroleum Refinery disclosed that between June and first week of September 2025, the facility had exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.

This development, he noted, has underscored the capacity of the refinery to meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

On job creation for Nigerians, others

Emphasising job creation, he stated that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but is instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities.

The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria.

“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” he said.

“Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage.

“Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension. “We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”

Dangote clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership is a personal choice for each driver.

He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as essential for the continent’s development.

Dangote as well emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.

The foremost industrialist and philanthropist noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productivity but also supports a circular economy.

He said: “Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders.

“We must build and industrialise our own economies.

“Without this, how can others invest? That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.”

Dangote stated: “My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty.

“Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation.”

He reiterated that with the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks.

Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector, stressing that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation.

He also clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, noting that he declined opportunities to acquire filling stations when they were offered for sale.

Looking ahead, Dangote announced that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, with the aim of further supporting economic growth and job creation.

“Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser.

“These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors,” he said.

“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.”

He also expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, dedicated workforce, and the Nigerian public for their continued support.

In particular, he commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free distribution initiative utilising CNG-powered trucks.

Dangote also used the occasion to showcase some of the CNG-powered trucks currently loading petrol from the refinery, emphasising that the company will successfully deploy all 4,000 trucks across the country soon. He allayed any fears of potential attacks on the drivers or the trucks.

Dangote stressed that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law, and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure.

Alexander Davis | ����

Operatives of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforced Agency (NDLEA) have arrested certain Gupta Ravi Kumar, an Indian businessman, and three other Nigerian accomplices.

Kumar’s local accomplices the NDLEA operatives also nabbed include Ogunlana Noah Olanrewaju, Olushola Idrees Kayode and Bakare Korede Muheebb

The anti-narcotics regulatory agency said it arrested the drug suspects in connection with the seizure of 2,248,000 pills of tramadol 200mg/225mg.

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Mr. Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, in Abuja, FCT, who disclosed this development in a statement issued Sunday, September 14, said the operatives intercepted the prohibited items at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), in Ikeja, Lagos.

Babafemi also noted in Anambra State, a couple: Nzube Onyedika, 41, and Ebele Onyedika, 42, were arrested during a raid at Obosi where 13.9kg Methamphetamine and 5.3kg skunk were recovered from them.

The statement also noted the tramadol shipment worth N3.99billion was imported from Delhi, in India.

However, the drug was disguised as multi-vitamins in 114 cartons and arrived at the import shed of the Lagos airport on an Ethiopian Airline flight September 8 this year.

Babafemi explained that a team of the agency’s officers, who had put the consignment under surveillance, swooped on a clearing agent and two drivers who were trying to take the shipment from the airport in two trucks last Thursday.

A follow-up the next day led to the arrest of Kumar, he stated.

The agency further said at the Terminal 2 Departure gate of the airport, operatives the previous Sunday also had arrested a passenger, Onyeganochi Stanley Ifeanyi, who was on a Qatar Airline flight to Doha.

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The NDLEA Director of Media and Publicity said a search of Ifeanyi’s bag led to the recovery of 900grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis concealed in crayfish.

He noted: “As a first-time traveller, Onyeganochi claimed the bag was given to him to help take to Doha by a Qatar-based Nigerian Ohadiegwu Anthony Uchenna who actually followed him to the airport.

The suspect’s confession led to the arrest of Uchenna.

Operatives who later searched Uchenna’s hotel room in Ajao Estate discovered additional 200grams of the same psychoactive substance. He claimed he was to return to Doha days later and pick the bag from Onyeganochi if he had succeeded in escaping security checks.

The statement further noted, at the Tin Can Port in Lagos, a total of 161 parcels of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 81.7kg and 1.2kg hashish oil were recovered from a 40-ft container of vehicle spare parts and used vehicles imported from Montreal Canada during an examination of the shipment on September 9.

Two suspects: John Ochigbo, 53, and Okeke Kingsley, 26, have been taken into custody in connection with the seizure, among several others around the country.

Meanwhile, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDLEA, expressed his appreciation to the officers.

Babafemi stated Marwa enjoined them, and their colleagues to continue with the ongoing offensives against the menace of drug trafficking and substance abuse in Nigeria.

Isola Moses | ����

Sequel to untold strike-induced disruption in healthcare delivery in several parts of the country, the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended their two-day-old nationwide strike.

��ñ���� reports the leadership of NARD has directed the Association’s members to resume work immediately.

The affected Resident Doctors, Friday, September 12, 2025, had commenced a nationwide strike after the expiration of a earlier 10-day ultimatum, which NARD had given the authorities since September 10.

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It was gathered that the Honourable Minister for Labour and Employment ask well as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare met with the leadership of NARD at the weekend to communicate the government’s decision to this effect.

Suspension of strike a sign of goodwill to Nigerians, says NARD President

Speaking on the development, Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD, in a text message Sunday, September 14 to the media, confirmed the suspension of the Association’s industrial action.

Dr. Osundara disclosed the NARD decision to suspend the two-day strike resulted from the Federal Government’s commitment to an immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to beneficiaries in the health sector of the economy.

Expatiating on the outcome of NARD’s engagement with the government, Osundara reportedly said: “Our strike has been suspended, doctors are to resume work today.

“Some of our demands have been met. One of them is the payment of Medical Residency Training Fund. Government has also promised to look into other issues.”

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Osundara also stated: “We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities”.

The President of the Association as well disclosed the other outstanding demands that are not of immediate attention of the government.

He said these include Unpaid Arrears, Downgrade of Membership certificate, Manpower shortage, Immediate release of corrected circular on remuneration for doctors from NSIWC.

According to him, the Resident Doctors are also demanding settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlog demands for members.

Gbenga Kayode | ����

Following a 2024 midair door plug blowout, and hundreds of other quality-control failures linked to 737 production line, the United States (US) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed over $3.1 million in fines against Boeing.

The US aviation regulators have cited hundreds of safety violations in its 737 aircraft production lines, accusing the leading aircraft manufacturer of pressuring its own safety inspectors.

��ñ���� learnt the American country’s FAA, in penalty letters issued last week, affirmed said the company’s violations occurred between September 2023 and February 2024.

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The Boeing 737 passenger family has multiple models, including the original 737-100/200, the Classic series (737-300/400/500), the Next-Generation (NG) series (737-600/700/800/900/900ER), and the latest 737 MAX series (737 MAX 7, 8, 9, 10). However, the passenger capacity varies significantly by model and airline configuration, ranging from around 85 to over 230 passengers.

The US aviation regulators stated those included actions linked to the January 5 midair door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9, agency report said.

The FAA further explained that it used the “maximum civil penalty” allowed under the US Federal law.

According to the FAA, inspectors had found widespread failures in Boeing’s quality system at its 737 factory in Renton, Washington, as well as at Spirit AeroSystems’ subcontractor facility in Wichita, Kansas.

Boeing presented two planes for certification that were not airworthy, and failed to follow required quality-control procedures, the FAA revealed.

The aviation sector regulatory agency as well uncovered that a Boeing employee pressured a company safety representative to sign off on a 737 Max aircraft even though the inspector believed it did not meet Federal standards in the US.

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According to FAA, such interference in regulatory affairs was a violation of rules meant to ensure inspectors remain independent from company production pressures in the country.

Boeing has 30 days to respond to the FAA’s allegations, and the proposed $3.1 million fines.

What it means for travellers

As regards the regulatory safety oversight, the FAA’s findings suggest ongoing problems with Boeing’s 737 production, an aircraft flown by major United States’ carriers.

Regulators say they are increasing scrutiny of the company, report noted.

In terms of the passenger impact, the proposed fines don’t immediately affect flight schedules, but repeated safety concerns have led to more inspections and occasional flight cancellations while planes are checked across the industry.

Meanwhile, report indicates that Boeing could contest the fines, negotiate a settlement, or accept the penalties from the FAA.

The company is already under pressure from airlines, regulators, and the US Congress to overhaul its safety culture in recent times, according to report.

Isola Moses | ����

A fresh study links high artificial sweetener consumption to faster cognitive decline, especially in younger adults and those with diabetes.

���� gathered the extensive Brazilian study suggested the high intake of certain sugar substitutes might speed up memory and thinking decline in consumers.

Researchers found that people who consumed the most artificial sweeteners experienced faster declines in memory and thinking skills.

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Several consumers reach for diet sodas, flavoured waters, or low-calorie desserts believing they’re a healthier choice than sugary options.

However, a new study recently published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, hinted that some sugar substitutes might come with hidden risks — particularly for brain health.

Researchers in Brazil tracked over 12,700 adults for nearly a decade to see how consumption of low- and no-calorie sweeteners might affect memory, language, and overall thinking abilities.

The experts discovered that people who consumed the most sweeteners experienced faster declines in these skills, raising questions about the long-term effects of artificial sugar alternatives.

Study author Claudia Kimie Suemoto, M.D., Ph.D., in a statement, said: “Low- and no-calorie sweeteners are often seen as a healthy alternative to sugar.

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“However, our findings suggest certain sweeteners may have negative effects on brain health over time.”

The study included adults with an average age of 52, who were tracked for about eight years.

At the beginning, participants filled out detailed food and drink questionnaires, reporting what they consumed over the prior year.

Subsequently, researchers looked specifically at seven common artificial sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame-K, erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, and tagatose.

These sweeteners are often found in diet drinks, energy drinks, yogurt, and low-calorie desserts.

Based on intake, participants were divided into three groups.

The lowest group consumed around 20 milligrams of sweeteners per day, while the highest consumed about 191 milligrams daily — the equivalent of roughly one can of diet soda for aspartame.

In order to measure changes over time, participants completed cognitive tests at the start, middle, and end of the study, said the researchers.

The tests assessed memory, word recall, processing speed, and verbal fluency. The experts then, adjusted for other health factors, such as age, sex, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

Based on their findings, the researchers revealed the people who consumed the highest amounts of artificial sweeteners showed a decline in overall thinking and memory that was 62 percent faster than those who consumed the least.

This was found to be equivalent to about 1.6 years of additional brain aging.

Those in the middle group also saw declines, though less steep.

The report said the link was most noticeable in adults under 60 and in those with diabetes, who are more likely to rely on sugar substitutes.

Interestingly, one sweetener — tagatose — was not associated with cognitive decline, the study noted.

Further highlighting the findings, Dr. Suemoto, the study author, said: “While we found links to cognitive decline for middle-aged people both with and without diabetes, people with diabetes are more likely to use artificial sweeteners as sugar substitutes.

“More research is needed to confirm our findings, and to investigate if other refined sugar alternatives, such as applesauce, honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar, may be effective alternatives.”

Alexander Davis | ����

Dr. Dele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development (MSMD),  has described the court verdict that sentenced Mahmud Usman, Ansaru Commander, to 15 years’ imprisonment as a major victory in the war against illegal mining in Nigeria.

���� reports Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, FCT, Thursday, September 11, 2025, and found Usman guilty, remanding the accused in prison to face 31 other charges.

Commending the Nigerian Judiciary for supporting the Federal Government’s efforts at tackling illegal mining in the economy, Dr. Alake said the verdict had finally established that bandits have engaged in illegal mining to fund their equally illicit operations across the country.

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Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, Sunday, September 14 stated the Minister also said: “It is gratifying for me that the Judiciary is aligned with the Ministry’s objective of zero tolerance for illegal mining.

“Further tightening of the noose around illegalities in mining continues as more drastic measures will be announced shortly.”

Alake disclosed his Ministry should monitor the proceedings of the remaining 31 cases of terrorism against the Ansaru commanders.

He further stated that regulators of the mining sector have a lot to learn from these cases to improve capacity to counter illegal mining in Nigeria.

Alake also applauded the Directorate of State Security Services (DSS) for the yeoman’s job of monitoring, detecting, and arresting terrorists to face the wrath of the law.

He assured: “We shall increase inter-agency collaboration to raise the tempo of surveillance to rid our communities of illegal mining perpetrated by bandits.”

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The statement as well noted the movement, translated as the Vanguard for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa, the Ansaru group is facing court charges for attacking the Nigerian Army Wawa Cantonment and raiding Kuje Prisons, Abuja, in 2022, among other terrorist activities.

It is recalled the Minister for Solid Minerals Development established the Mining Marshals, in 2024, to combat illegal mining and improve the security of the sector.

Isola Moses | ����

Sequel to the release of the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report on the airline’s incident at the Port-Harcourt International Airport, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified the circumstances surrounding its decision to clear the co-pilot of Air Peace.

���� reports the NSIB report on the pilots reportedly indicted the co-pilot alongside his other colleagues for involvement with hard drugs and alcohol during the flight.

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Reacting to the accusation of conflicting regulatory affairs of NCAA and NSIB regarding the same incident, Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, in a statement via a verified X account  at the weekend, emphasised that the aviation regulatory body followed due process based on the available facts and internal investigations.

Achimugu said both the NCAA internal investigation and the NSIB report did not indict the airline’s co-pilot.

He also noted this underlined the regulatory Authority’s reason for the co-pilot’s clearance and return to work.

It is recalled that an Air Peace aircraft had a runway excursion Sunday, June 13, after landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, in Rivers State, South-South Nigeria.

The affected aircraft the airline had veered off the runway without any damage.

The NSIB report of an investigation into the incident revealed that the aircraft touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, well beyond the recommended touchdown zone, and eventually came to a stop at 209 metres into the clearway.

The report apparently indicted the crew members, including the pilot and co-pilot concerned after a medical test of their bloodstream.

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Reacting to the indicting report of the incident, the Management of Air Peace, however, picked holes in indictment and denied the allegations of hard drugs and alcohol on the crew members during the flight.

Further on NCAA’s rationale for clearing the co-pilot to resume flying,

Achimugu stressed that the aviation regulatory body followed due process in view of available facts and internal investigations.

NSIB report didn’t indict Air Peace’s co-pilot, says Achimugu

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection further averred that both the NCAA internal investigation and the NSIB report did not indict the co-pilot, underlining the reason for his clearance and return to work.

The durability of the NCAA rules is occasionally tested by real-life incidents, stated Achimugu.

He equally said that was why the extant rules are subjected to reviews consistently.

He further stated: “I learnt yesterday (Friday), that the NCAA was being blamed for giving clearance to the first officer.

“But based on the NCAA internal findings and the NSIB preliminary report, the co-pilot was not found culpable.”

The NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection stated: “In fact, he advised the captain to go around, which the captain did not heed.

“Given that, we believe it is unjust to keep someone grounded for a year while an investigation is ongoing, if there is no evidence of wrongdoing.”

In regard to Air Peace’s internal measures related to such incidents, he explained that “airlines are allowed to have internal policies and mechanisms on certain issues, and they are required to submit compliance reports to the authority.

“However, as is the case globally, no matter how sound regulations may appear on paper, their true strength is only revealed when tested by real-life incidents.

“That is why regulations remain subject to review and updates.”

Director: NCAA Chief will address matter

Achimugu, therefore, assured Nigerians and industry stakeholders that Capt. Chris Najomo, Director-General of NCAA, would address the matter, as he is already conducting investigations into the incident.

According to him, the NCAA followed internationally recognised procedures for post-incident assessments, including the use of NCAA-approved testing centres.

He, however, acknowledged that some questions remained unanswered, particularly on the side of the NSIB, which is the statutory body responsible for conducting accident and incident investigations in the country.

“I have reached out to the NSIB and spoken to their team, but I’m still waiting for comprehensive feedback.

“I flagged certain inconsistencies that I believe require urgent clarification.

“My DG has just returned to the country, and is expected to speak to the matter formally tonight,” Achimugu stated.

Isola Moses | ����

The dust raised by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery recent fuel price slash and the imminent rollout of its 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered oil trucks for free and direct product distribution to big-ticket energy consumers, organisations and corporates is yet to settle in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

The leadership of the Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) again, has kicked against Dangote Refinery’s move to slash prices of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol in the domestic oil market.

���� reports Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently announced that it would slash petrol prices from N865 per litre to N841, in Lagos, and the entire South-West Nigeria, while its petroleum product would sell for N851 in Abuja, FCT, Edo, and Kwara respectively.

The development, Dangote Refinery noted, would also come alongside the commencement of its direct fuel distribution scheme.

Olufemi Adewole, Executive Secretary of DAPPMAN, in a statement Saturday, September 12, 2025, however, said that portraying Dangote Refinery’s recurrent fuel price cuts as patriotic gestures overlooks both their “timing and effects” on the country’s oil market.

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Adewole stated the Dangote Refinery’s price reductions were strategically timed, when other fuel importers had active cargoes at sea or in tanks, creating price shocks that undermined competition and imposed financial strain on fellow market participants, including the refinery’s own domestic customers.

Dangote’s repeated fuel price reductions constitute unnecessary burden on domestic businesses: DAPPMAN 

The statement also observed that it is disturbing to note Dangote offered lower prices to international buyers while quoting higher rates to local off takers.

According to DAPPMAN, this has contradicted public-facing claims of prioritising Nigerian consumers, and placed an unnecessary burden on domestic businesses already operating under tight margins in the industry.

The Executive Secretary of DAPPMAN further argued: “Claims that repeated fuel price reductions by the Dangote Refinery are patriotic gestures ignore their timing and market impact.

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“These reductions were often strategically timed when other importers had active cargoes at sea or in tanks, creating price shocks that undermined competition and imposed financial strain on fellow market participants, including the refinery’s own domestic customers.”

The Association as well said: “Even more concerning is the refinery’s pattern of offering lower prices to international buyers while quoting higher rates to local off takers.

“This contradicts public-facing claims of prioritising Nigerians and places unnecessary burden on domestic businesses already operating under tight margins,” he said in the statement.

On face-off between NUPENG, Dangote Petroleum Refinery

Commenting the recent hot altercations between Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over workers’ rights and related matters, DAPPMAN said the Association had watched the unfolding tensions with dismay.

Adewole explained: “While the matter may not directly concern our Association, we are alarmed by the tone, trajectory, and escalation of this issue.

“Beyond the reputational risks to various market participants, we are deeply concerned about the potential impact this may have on ordinary Nigerians, particularly in a downstream environment still stabilising post-deregulation.”

‘We remain responsible, long-standing stakeholders in Nigeria’s downstream sector’

DAPPMAN stated: “As responsible and long-standing stakeholders in Nigeria’s downstream sector, we feel compelled to provide clarity on several inaccurate or misleading claims made in the public space – claims which, if left unchecked, could mislead the public and diminish the collective contributions of other players that have ensured national fuel availability for decades.”

The assertion that Nigeria’s downstream stability rests solely on a single refinery is misleading and dismissive of the broader ecosystem, asserted Adewole.

He also averred: “While we welcome the Dangote Refinery as a major infrastructure project, its contribution has peaked at only 30 to 35 percent of national demand.

“The balance continues to be supplied by responsible petroleum product marketers, including DAPPMAN members, who import and distribute under strict regulatory oversight by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.”

According to DAPPMAN, for decades, its marketers have ensured uninterrupted fuel access across the country, investing in depots, trucking fleets, retail networks, and logistics and doing so even through periods of Foreign Exchange (Forex) pressure, subsidy transitions, insecurity, and economic downturns.

Adewole restated: “These contributions deserve recognition, not erasure. We reject any insinuation that DAPPMAN members deal in ‘substandard’ petroleum products.

“All imports are subject to independent, regulator-accredited laboratory testing in accordance with NMDPRA protocols and global quality standards.”

Isola Moses | ����

‎The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s support for security reforms to evolve State Police marks a bold step towards reengineering Nigeria’s internal security framework.

TMSG said the move to establish state policing system aligned with President Tinubu’s long-standing position on decentralised policing in Nigeria.

DAPPMAN insists Dangote’s recurring petrol price cuts unpatriotic, untimely with market impact

Group’s Chairman Emeka Nwankpa and Secretary Dapo Okubanjo, in a statement said: ‎“We are aware that the first attempt in recent years to create a legal framework for the establishment of state police was in 2018 when the then Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, sponsored the bill.

‎“Even though Ekweremadu was the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Constitution Review Committee, the move failed.

“He also made another effort in 2020, but it did not see the light of day.”

‎TMSG noted that the momentum now appears different, with Tinubu’s public endorsement coming as both chambers of the National Assembly (NASA) work on a bill for state Police.

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They also stated: ‎“We see the President’s position as a clear message to Federal lawmakers, who are due to resume plenary in a few weeks to speed up the process of presenting a bill that will amend section 214 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which exclusively provides for a Federal policing system.

‎“It is also a reflection of President Tinubu’s long-standing advocacy for state police as a panacea to insecurity in the country as well as addressing local policing needs.”

The Group further stated: ‎“We acknowledge that this is the first time a sitting President would publicly declare his backing for State Police.”

According to ‎TMSG, some past leaders only voiced support after leaving office, but President Tinubu is pushing the security reforms during his tenure.

It explained: ‎“It was after former President Goodluck Jonathan left office that he began his advocacy for a decentralised policing system, while former Muhammadu Buhari famously declared in a rare TV interview, in 2022, that State Police was not an option to address the country’s security challenges.

‎“Former President Buhari’s opposition was based on the same fears that many Nigerians had expressed about the overbearing influence of state governments and the possibility of abuse.”

‎The TMSG, therefore, expressed confidence that the Tinubu administration would implement mechanisms to prevent abuse, or politicisation of state police by State Governors in the West African country.

The statement also noted: ‎“There are already indications that the Federal Government may be working on safeguards against possible misuse of state police by putting the process under the control of a central body to ensure a unified standard.

‎“So it is not likely that the state police that the President envisages will be one that will be exclusively under the control of governors.”

The Group said: ‎“This is why the President was emphatic that while political concerns will always surface around the issue, they must not be allowed to derail urgent security reforms.”

The State Police option would meet its objectives, ending up as one of the far-reaching legacies of the Bola Tinubu administration, the TMSG added.

Alexander Davis | ����

The decision of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to warn Nigerians against accepting Dangote Refinery’s recent fuel price reduction has drawn heavy backlash on social media.

Several netizens have mocked the Labour union, expressing their desire to embrace what they described as “much-needed relief” price slash.

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���� reports Dangote Refinery recently announced lower petrol pump prices in several states of the Federation alongside a new scheme to deploy Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks directly to filling stations.

The oil-refining company said the move was expected to reduce logistics costs for oil dealers in the West African country.

NUPENG: Dangote’s fuel price slash ‘a Greek gift’

Reacting to the company’s reduction of price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, NUPENG however, dismissed the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s offer for the benefit of energy consumers as a “Greek gift”.

The Union also alleged that Dangote was undermining workers’ rights by sidelining the union, and pushing drivers into a rival association.

Consumers react

Scores of Netizens, in reacting to the Union’s remark on the offer, have heavily lambasted NUPENG, querying that during hard times, the Labour has never supported the masses.

READ ALSO: DAPPMAN Insists Dangote’s Recurring Petrol Price Cuts Unpatriotic, Untimely With Market Impact

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On X (formerly Twitter), Nigerians quickly turned NUPENG’s warning into a trending topic, using humour and sarcasm to lampoon the union.

Oloye Somorin Osifeso (@OloyeSomorin) wrote: “We like Greek gifts in my garage.”

Just Jude (@JustJude) asked bluntly: “Is it your deception?”

Oladele (@Oladele) quipped: “As Dangote Refinery dey offer Nigerians Greek gift, why can’t NUPENG too offer Nigerians French gift?”

Agbalaka (@Agbalaka) queried: “Can they tell Nigerians what exactly they are fighting about?”

CBN Gov Akinsola (@Akinsola) joked: “Then give us Trojan gift now. Man do man. Man no go vex.”

Omobalaji (@Omobalaji) teased: “NUPENG, oya surprise us with Arabian gifts.”

Habdulakeem Bahdmus (@BahdmusHabdulakeem) added: “If Dangote is showering Nigerians with Greek gift, NUPENG can also set up a Roman gift now.”

Femi Yekinni (@FemiYekinni) steered it back to reality: “We thank them for their advice. Now, @DangoteGroup pls how do we schedule deliveries to Badagry?”

Curtis Abbi (@CurtisAbbi) slammed the union: “Nigerians will manage the Greek gift. @officialNUPENG9 what gift have you given Nigerians in your entire years of existence? NUPENG should offer Nigerians their own Somalian gift.”

Akin Adejola (@AkinAdejola) echoed the sentiment: “LOL. I can bet Nigerians don’t mind the gift.

“NUPENG should gift Nigerians same ‘Greek gift’ too if they have any goodwill. NUPENG is the enemy of progress in the oil & gas sector.”

Adeola Akinwande (@adeolarewaju9) criticised union leaders: “Does NUPENG remember Nigerians at hard times? They have all failed Nigerians the same way the @NLCHeadquarters has failed.

“They are living big on unionism and cashing out big time.

“Without unionism some of their excos are nobody. They should stop the crocodile tears.”

Okunwa U. U. Azikiwe (@OkunwaUUazikiwe) argued: “Competition has created jealousy by the previous monopoly in the sale of fuel.

“They have lost control, and it is paining them that they are no longer in control. SMH!!!”

Solihull Abdulkareem (@SolihullAbdul) chipped in: “NUPENG or whatever, do you want the market to be monopoly? You’ve been doing what you want for many years.

“It’s time for change, just accept it and move forward.”

Temidayo (@Temidayo) asked: “It’s a lie. What benefits has your union provided for Nigerians? Middlemen syndrome has been room for corruption. “Your association should go and buy shares in Dangote and work together to make Nigeria great.”

And LegalTech Sam Akanbi (@SamAkanbi) summed up: “Nigerians no longer want your Nigerian gift, we want the Greek gift.

“If you have a better offer, we’d abandon Dangote’s Greek gift and take yours. But for now, let the Greek gift go round.”

It is recalled that NUPENG alleged that Dangote Refinery was forcing truck drivers to abandon its union for a rival group, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA).

According to the Union Dangote is undermining collective bargaining rights, and violating a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed under government supervision.

In response to the allegation, Dangote denied the claims.

The conglomerate has insisted that union membership remains voluntary, and that its delivery scheme is designed to cut costs and ease supply of petroleum products to consumers.

The Federal Government has intervened, with the Federal Ministry of Labour and the Department of State Services (DSS) mediating between both parties.