The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) says it will take decisions that will cripple the supply of petrol due to the non-payment of over N200 billion bridging claims.

The development comes amid a scarcity of petrol, which has led to an increase in transport costs.

Bridging claims entails the cost of transporting fuel from depots to approved zones to ensure a uniform pump price across the country.

In a communique released after a press conference on Tuesday, Oliver Okolo, the association’s unit chairman and spokesperson, Aba Depot, said the debt is being owed by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NMDPRA).

Okolo said NMDPRA failed to pay the N200 billion debt, accruing since September 2022 — despite a directive for payment from Heineken Lokpobiri, the minister of petroleum resources (oil).

“We are poised to take far-reaching decisions that may cripple the supply and sales of petroleum products across Nigeria, if our demands are not met within the shortest period,” he said.

He said the NMDPRA’s delay in offsetting the debt has led to the “deaths of many of our members and the unfortunate collapse of their businesses”.

“As businessmen and women, our members acquired bank loans to keep their fuel retail outlets running daily across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, to serve the teeming population of Nigerians,” he said.

“However, it is demoralising to know that many of our members have gone bankrupt and have become financially insolvent as a result of their inability to meet their financial obligations to their banks, arising wholly from their inability to get their monies from the NMDPRA.

“Consequently, also, the banks have taken over the business premises of many of our members.

“As indigenous organisations, and Depot Chairmen, we are unhappy that rather than receive support from the government to boost our businesses, we are being discouraged, by the head of NMDPRA.

“It is noteworthy to recall and state here that at a stakeholders meeting held on the 20th of February, 2024 with Mr. Heineken Lokpobiri, the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), and the NSA Nuhu Ribadu, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Authority of NMDPRA, was mandated by Mr. Heinehken Lokpobiri to clear the entire debt in 40 days.”

However, after the 40-day deadline, Okolo said a paltry sum of N13 billion has been paid.

The NMDPRA and IPMAN have a history of disputes over bridging claims, with the latter often threatening to withdraw services.

[TheCable]

A famous Nigerian musician with the stage name, Patoranking, in his track, “Celebrate me”, admonished us on the need to celebrate and appreciate people while they are alive. High Chief Tom Ikimi, CON, FNIA KSG, D.Sc, the Akinrogun of Ife, the Inneh of Igueben, is, in the word of Patoranking, a “big name” and a towering figure in both stature and influence. He stands out as a beacon of resilience, wisdom, integrity and leadership.

High Chief Tom Ikimi, my elder friend and brother from Igueben, Edo State, was born on 10^th April, 1944, in Kumba, Southern Camerouns. He attended the St. Joseph’s College, Sesse-Buea in Southern Camerouns; obtained a National Diploma in Building and Civil Engineering from the Midwestern Polytechnic, Auchi (the former Midwestern Nigeria, now Edo and Delta States); and a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he was a prominent member of the Students Union and the National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS).

As a top Nigerian politician, Ikimi has, over the years, held various high-ranking positions in the Nigerian political firmament and has been involved in helping to midwife different political parties throughout his career. He was a foundation member of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN); and he led the party to win the 2012 Edo State Gubernatorial elections. He was also a foundation member and national leader of the Advanced Congress of Democrats, inaugurating the party in Edo state on February 21, 2006. Other party activities were honourably executed in the All Peoples Party (APP); the People's Democratic Party (PDP); and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the present ruling party.

The tenacious politician made a lasting mark as the pioneer Chairman of the National Republican Convention (NRC), one of Nigeria's two leading political parties during the transition to civilian rule in the early 1990s. His main rival was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) chaired by Babagana Kingibe. However, the Babangida military junta had with military dicta suddenly dissolved the Ikimi and Kingibe cabinets in October, 1992. Subsequently, Chief Tony Anenih (fondly called “Mr. Fix it”) became the Chairman of SDP, while Dr. Hahmed Kusamotu became Chairman of the NRC. The election that produced Chief M.K.O. Abiola who roundly defeated his closest rival, Alhaji Bashir Tofa, by 8,341,309 (58.36%) to 5,952,087 (41.64%) votes was held under this latter leadership. Ikimi had indeed been active in Nigerian politics since the 1980s and has played significant roles in various political administrations.

One major contribution made by High Chief Tom Ikimi towards strengthening democracy is his pioneering involvement in the founding of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria. He was one of the founding fathers of the APC. He played a key role in the merger of several opposition parties to form the APC in 2013. The formation of the APC provided a formidable platform for opposition politics in Nigeria; and eventually led to the party's victory in the 2015 presidential elections. This ended the 16-year rule of the People's Democratic Party (PDP). However, in 2014, Chief Ikimi quitted the APC as he accused the party leadership of ignoring national sensitivities in the administration of the fledgling party.

Chief Ikimi's political influence transcends mere party activities. Engaged in various movements advocating for democracy, good governance, and national integration, Ikimi embodies a commitment to Nigeria's political development. It is worthy of note that during General Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime, Chief Ikimi and other prominent figures faced deregistration from the PDP. This had exposed the party's agenda to eliminate internal opposition with a view to facilitating Obasanjo's self-succession and transmutation agenda. In sharp response to this, chief Ikimi rallied with trusted allies to establish the Movement for the Restoration and Defence of Democracy (MRDD). This movement not only effectively challenged Obasanjo's autocratic ambition; but it also championed democratic principles during these trying times.

On the diplomatic sphere, Chief Ikimi's illustrious career exemplifies a remarkable dedication to diplomatic excellence and global leadership. Ikimi had served as the Special Adviser to General Sani Abacha in 1994 during which he prepared the memo that led to the establishment of the highly successful Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). He later served as Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs in the heat of military dictatorship. Chief Ikimi's diplomatic acumen shone brightly throughout that turbulent era. In April, 1995, he graced the international stage, leading Nigeria's delegation to the Review/Extension Conference of the Parties to the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in New York, where his eloquent delivery of Nigeria's national position left an indelible mark on the global scene.

Furthermore, his leadership was evident at the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Bandung, Indonesia. Throughout his tenure, Chief Ikimi's presence resonated at numerous international gatherings, including the 40th Anniversary Meeting of the Movement of Non-Aligned countries in Bandung, Indonesia, and the Ministerial meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement in Cartagena, Colombia.

Ikimi’s role in representing Nigeria at various sessions of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council, articulating Nigeria's stance on various issues with eloquence and authority, underscored his unwavering commitment to advancing the nation's interests on the global stage.

Before his political engagements, Chief Ikimi in the realm of professional calling, had established his own architectural practice in 1977. Over the years, he demonstrated remarkable prowess in executing a diverse range of projects, encompassing private residences, sports facilities, office complexes, and industrial buildings, both locally and internationally. Notably, his architectural firm achieved international recognition and fame when it won the prestigious competition for the design of the new OAU office and conference Centre projects in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia. Recognized for his contributions in the field of Architecture, he attained the status of Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA). Beyond architecture, Chief Ikimi has cultivated successful business ventures spanning construction, trade, and farming, showcasing his versatility and entrepreneurship.

In recognition of his unquantifiable contributions to community development, Nigerian politics and public service, Tom Ikimi was honoured with the title of High Chief Oduma in his native Igueben Kingdom. “Oduma” simply means lion. Ikimi is indeed the roaring lion. While his career has seen both highs and lows, his achievements have left indelible footprints on Nigeria's political landscape.

Today, as I reflect on Chief Ikimi's illustrious journey, I am reminded of his unwavering commitment to service and dedication to the betterment of his country. Throughout his exemplary career, Ikimi has exemplified the noblest virtues of selflessness and sacrifice, always placing the needs of the country and others above his own. No wonder Pope John Paul II in 1993 honoured him with the revered Knighthood of St. Gregory the Great (KSG). Rivers State University of Science and Technology followed suit when he was honoured with the Honourary Degree of D.Sc (Architecture). 

Chief Ikimi's leadership has been characterized by rare vision, foresight and wisdom in guiding countless individuals and organizations towards greater heights of success and prosperity. His innate ability to inspire and empower those around him has been instrumental in fostering positive change and development on both local and national scales.

Beyond his sterling professional achievements as an accomplished architect of global fame, Chief Ikimi is cherished for his warmth, compassion, empathy and humility. He possesses a rare gift of connecting with people from all walks of life, forging meaningful relationships and alliances built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

I celebrate Chief Tom Ikimi's today, not only for his remarkable accomplishments, but also for the countless lives he has touched and transformed. May the Oduma’s indelible legacy continue to inspire generations to come, serving as guiding light and beacon of hope for all who aspire to make a difference in the world. Through his smiles and affability, the taciturn Oduma lights up dark crevices, energises tired muscles and rekindles hope to the hopeless, hapless and vanquished citizens of Nigeria – the hoi folloi; the Frantz Fanon’s “Wretched of the Earth”.

Happy birthday to a great Pan-Nigerian patriot! May all your days be filled with joy and love in appreciation of all that you are; all that you have don; and all that you stand for.

Let me end this tribute to this towering Nigerian and luminous man of many parts by quoting Edgar Allan Poe, “Life is a song – sing it. Life is a game – play it. Life is a challenge – meet it. Life is a dream – realise it. Life is a sacrifice – offer it. Life is love – enjoy it”.

So, Oduma, enjoy life to the fullest as you hit the octogenarian age. Beyond this, receive Genesis 6:3. It is your portion.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu Monday warned that there would be total blackout in the country in the next three months if the proposed electricity tariff hike is not implemented.

The minister disclosed this yesterday in Abuja when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Power at an investigative hearing over the recent electricity tariff hike by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

This followed the rejection of the new tariff regime by the Senate committee, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Adelabu said, “The entire sector will be grounded if we don’t increase the tariff. With what we have now in the next three months, the entire country will be in darkness if we don’t increase tariffs.

“The increment will catapult us to the next level. We are also Nigerians, we are also feeling the impact.”

He said the sum of $10 billion is needed yearly for the next ten years to revive the nation’s power sector and nip in the bud the challenges bedeviling it.

“For this sector to be revived, the government needs to spend nothing less than 10 billion dollars annually in the next 10 years.

“This is because of the infrastructure requirement for the stability of the sector. But the government cannot afford that. And so we must make this sector attractive to investors and to lenders.

“So, for us to attract investors and investment, we must make the sector attractive, and the only way it can be made attractive is that there must be commercial pricing.

“If the value is still at N66 and the government is not paying subsidy, the investors will not come. But now that we have increased the tariff for A Band, there are interests being shown by investors,” he said.

Adelabu said the inability of the government to pay outstanding N2.9 trillion subsidy was due to limited resources, hence the need to evolve measures to sustain the sector.

He appealed to the lawmakers to support the process of paying the debt owed operators across the value chain of generation, transmission and distribution.

But the Senate Committee on Power, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, expressed concerns over the suffering of Nigerians, and asked the minister and other key players in the sector to explore other options.

Senators Simon Lalong (Plateau South) and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central), said consultations were not made before the tariff increase, stressing palliative would have been provided in the process.

Abaribe, who is Chairman of the Committee said, “What Nigerians wanted was a solution to the issues and ways to ensure liquidity in the sector.”

He also decried the nonappearance of a company “ZIGLAKS” over the failed agreement to provide prepaid meters for Nigerians, alleging that the company had received N32 billion in 20 years to meter Nigerian electricity consumers.

 Other stakeholders who made presentations at the investigative hearing were the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (NAN), Association of Power Generation (Gencos), Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) among others.

[DailyTrust]

A former Director of Information Technology of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, John Ayoh, has explained how he collected $600,000 allegedly for contract gratification for the embattled ex-apex bank governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Ayoh, while being led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), on Monday, told an Ikeja Special Offences Court that he spent eight years in the apex bank.

He told the court that he received a letter from the agency concerning two transactions he facilitated through Emefiele.

Ayoh, Head of Procurement and Support Services, PSS Department, told the court that the first envelope containing $400,000 was brought to his house in Lekki.

In contrast, he received the second envelope containing $200,000 at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN.

Ayoh said he was vested with powers to receive applications for the award of contracts to select successful bidders.

According to him, the first leg of the transaction was at his residence in Lekki Phase One, while the second envelope money he received occurred at the Tinubu Head Office of the CBN.

“The man to deliver the second transaction came to our office in Lagos, and I informed the governor, but he said he did not want to see a third party and that I should bring the envelope myself.

“I complied with the instruction and delivered it to his office. Mr John Adeola was the one I sent my address to, and he came to my house. He is the governor’s assistant, and the total money I received on his behalf was $400,000 and $200,000,” he alleged.

The witness informed the court that the vendors who allegedly brought the envelopes with money were in charge of implementing Netapp Storage Architectural and Infrastructural Services.

While under cross-examination by the first defence counsel, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), he told the court that his schedule of duties did not include running errands for Emefiele, but he directly worked under him.

Ayoh confirmed to the court that Emefiele was not a member of the PSS but a member of the Major Contract Tender Committee (MCTC).

He added that he had never facilitated the commission of any crime.

Ojo asked if the witness wrote in his statement that he was forced to aid or abet the commission of accepting gratification.

“I do not remember the exact word that I used, and I did not write in my statement that I opened the two envelopes on the two occasions to check the total sum of money.

“I wrote a statement, which implied that the money in the envelopes was given to me to influence the contract award. I did not take part in the decision of the MCTC, but I recommended that the prize be given, and I was not bribed.

“The EFCC invited me on February 17. I was not arrested, but I returned home on administrative bail”, the witness said.

The witness told the court that he operated under duress while he received the two envelopes from the contractors.

“On your honour, did you indicate in your statement that you were acting under duress while running errands for the first defendant,” the learned silk asked.

The prosecution, however, objected to the question and argued that the witness’s statement was not before the court.

The first defence counsel sought to admit the defendant’s statement into evidence.

After that, Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted the witness’s statement (three pages) into evidence, following the arguments and counterarguments of the counsel.

The witness told the court that the instructions from Emefiele indicated that he bent the rules.

The judge, after that, adjourned the case until May 3 for continuation of cross-examination.

Emefiele’s counsel also pleaded with the court to release the defendant to him on self-recognition because he had not met with his bail application.

The learned silk, however, prayed to the court that the defendant would meet up before May 17.

There were no objections from the second defence counsel, and the prosecution left the decision at the court’s discretion.

Recall that a dispatch rider had allegedly collected $3 million in cash for the embattled ex-CBN governor.

Emefiele has been under investigation since his removal as CBN boss last June by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

[DailyPost]

•Court okays freezing of accounts for unauthorised forex dealings, terror financing

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim order empowering the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to freeze 1,146 bank accounts belonging to individuals and companies.
The agency claimed it was investigating them for unauthorised dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering and terrorism financing.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order in a ruling on an ex-parte motion by EFCC lawyer Ekele Iheanacho.
The judge ordered the commission to ensure that its investigation is concluded within 90 days.
Justice Nwite, after listening to Iheanacho, held: “It is hereby ordered as follows: that the applicant’s application is hereby granted as prayed.
“That an order of this honourable court is hereby made freezing the bank accounts stated in the schedule below which accounts are owned by various individuals who are currently being investigated in a case involving the offences of unauthorised dealing in foreign exchange, money laundering and terrorism financing to the extant that the investigation will be for a period of 90 days.”
He adjourned till July 23 for a report on the findings.
A copy of the enrolled order, made last Wednesday, was obtained yesterday.
The EFCC, in the motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/543/2024 said: “The bank accounts in respect of which the reliefs are sought are subject of investigation by the EFCC in relation to money laundering and terrorism financing.

[TheNation]

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on Monday began offloading 240 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise called petrol, as it stepped up efforts to tackle the worsening nationwide petrol scarcity.

As the NNPCL began offloading petrol, filling stations sold the product at an average price of N800 per litre in various locations.

One of our correspondents gathered that the 240 million litres of petrol imported into the country came in through five vessels, which were offloaded into five depots on Monday.

The South-West Regional Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ayo Cardoso, confirmed this in an interview with The PUNCH on Monday.

The PUNCH reported on Monday that despite claims by the NNPC that the logistic issues causing fuel scarcity had been addressed, Nigerians in Lagos and other parts of the country still struggled to get fuel as many filling stations remained shut.

The PUNCH independently gathered that the situation might worsen in Lagos and other parts of the South-West because there was a directive by the NNPC that fuel trucks must first service the Federal Capital Territory before any other places.

According to oil sector sources, hundreds of trucks loaded were sent to Abuja on Sunday based on the NNPC directive.

Our correspondents who visited filling stations across the country on Monday observed that many outlets hiked their pump prices, selling a litre of petrol between N650 and over N1,000.

As the stations increased the pump prices of fuel, it was learnt that black marketers also used the opportunity to make brisk business, selling a litre of petrol at prices of over N1,200/litre, depending on the location and the bargaining strength of the buyer.

It was also observed that the hardship being encountered as a result of fuel scarcity worsened on Monday. The queues in filling stations became longer as work resumed across the nation for the new week.

The fuel scarcity also coincided with the resumption of public schools in some states, adding to the burden on parents, teachers and school owners.

Speaking with The PUNCH, the NMDPRA regional coordinator said the agency was doing its best to ensure Nigerians were not exploited by filling stations.

“We are doing something about the fuel crisis; very soon it will be over. Vessels are discharging as I am talking to you. What we are concentrating on is to push the NNPC, which is the supplier of last resort, to make sure they wet the entire populace.

“So, we have about five vessels already discharging the product, about 240 million litres are being discharged as I am talking to you right now. We are working round the clock.

“But then, once you have a problem, it takes like one or two weeks to (normalise), but people will keep on panicking, which is not supposed to be. All these kinds of things disrupt the normal way of operations. But with 240 million litres coming in from five vessels discharging to five depots already today, things will get back to normal,” Cardoso assured Nigerians.

Scarcity spreads

Our correspondents noted that the few filling stations dispensing fuel on Monday were crowded by private and commercial drivers, motorcyclists as well as individuals with jerry cans.

The queues were seen in Abuja as well as Lagos, Ogun, Niger, Nasarawa, Gombe and other states.

The Heyden filling station in Iperu Remo, Ogun State sold petrol at N650 per litre on Monday amid fights among buyers who thronged the station from places like Isara, Ode, Ilishan and others.

A motorist, who spoke to one of our correspondents, said he had been in the queue since 5am, yet he was unable to buy petrol as at noon.

“Look at me, I have been here since 5am, yet I couldn’t get fuel up till noon. I came here from Isara. There is no fuel in other places. This station belongs to the governor, maybe that’s why it is selling at the rate of N650 per litre. A few others around us sell petrol for N800 or more,” the motorist, who identified himself as Ismail, told The PUNCH.

A young man dressed in TotalEnergies uniform was sighted at the Heyden filling stations with two jerry cans filled with PMS.

The man, who did not reveal his name, stated, “I came here to buy fuel because we don’t have fuel in our station. I spent hours in the queue despite being an attendant myself. We don’t know why there is no fuel, but we heard that everybody is waiting for May 1 to know if the president would say something about fuel price reduction or not”.

At WB One Oil & Gas in Ogere, the crowd was not much as a result of the price differential between it and Heyden. The filling station sold a litre of petrol at N900 as of Monday morning.

“I can’t buy at WB One. N900 is too much for a litre. That is why the people there are not many. I would rather join the queue instead of paying N900 for a litre,” Adamu, an okada rider said.

The NNPC retail outlet along the Sagamu-Interchange axis was occupied by buyers who wanted to get the product at N580/litre.

Selling at N670, the As-Sallam filling station near the NNPC also had a long queue. The NIPCO and AP stations near the RCCG Bus Stop did not open for business.

Commuters heading to work, schools, and various destinations in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Monday found themselves stranded due to the effect of the lingering fuel scarcity.

Many bus stops were filled with passengers trying to board vehicles to schools and places of work.

Our correspondents learned that some filling stations around Rounda and Lafenwa were selling the product for N1,000/litre.

A cab driver, Mr Banji Alaba, said “The fuel problem has continued to worsen, some filling stations in Rounda and Lafenwa area are selling a litre for N1,000. Though we have a few selling for between N750 to N800 the queue is killing. The NNPC filling stations are selling for N580 but my friend who has been at one of the stations since 9 am is yet to buy fuel as of 4 pm when I called him.

“The queue is so much and overwhelming. The cabs outside are few because many drivers are at the filling stations and some who don’t have the strength to spend hours at filling stations have parked their cars. How do we feed our families?

“The schools have just resumed and a lot of us want to pay our children’s school fees, how do we do that if we don’t work? It is really frustrating and sad.”

Some students were also sighted trekking home because they could not get cabs on time while those who offered to carry them increased the fare by 70 per cent.

The Total filling station at Toll Gate, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, in Ogere sold petrol for N1,200/litre on Monday.

Also, Danco filling station and NNPC at Magboro, Ogun State, sold for N610 and N580 respectively. While others like TAS, Mobil, Osadol, Heyden, Amuf oil, Rainoil, and NIPCO among others were under lock and key.

Black marketers took advantage of the situation to sell the product at exorbitant prices ranging from N1,300 to N1,800/litre.

Our correspondents, who went around major cities, saw miscreants threatening to burn down some filling stations perceived to be hoarding the product.

Motorists described the situation as pathetic, calling on the government for an urgent intervention to avoid possible implosion.

The PUNCH reports that a motorist at a Mobil fuel station in Ikotun, Lagos, who gave his name as Mr Valentine, said, “Though none of the fuel stations have started selling, I heard they sold for N1,050 per litre earlier”.

A resident at Egbeda, Lagos, who simply gave her name as Peace Adeola, said commercial vehicle operators started raising their fares on Sunday.

According to the resident, moving from Ikotun to Egbeda on Sunday went for N600 as against N300 before now.

“The bus drivers and conductors were complaining, saying they bought the fuel at an expensive rate of N900. We trekked home from Egbeda,” Adeola recounted.

Also speaking, another resident of Egbeda, Ignatius Uzonna, told one of our correspondents on Monday that the government-owned BRT buses now recorded a high number of passengers due to the scarcity of private commercial buses.

Our correspondents observed that a litre of fuel at the black market was sold for N900/litre in Apapa, while an outlet belonging to Saddeh at Egbe Bus Stop along Ikotun-Ejigbo road, sold for N1,000/litre.

The God’s Decision outlet along Governor’s Road in Ikotun Lagos also sold petrol for N900/litre on Monday.

In Gombe State, residents frowned at the incessant increment in petroleum prices as fuel sold across the state at N900/litre in a few operating filling stations, and N1,400 at the black market.

An okada rider, Mohammed, said, “We are suffering and it’s unfortunate we buy fuel at N1,400 because we can’t stay in long queues at the filling station.”

In Makurdi, the Benue State capital, one of our correspondents reports that the few filling stations that opened for business sold petrol between N750 and N850/litre on Monday. Though, there were no long queues at the filling stations.

It was a similar development in Otukpo and Gboko, the two major urban centres in the state, where the cost of transportation had gone up.

The petrol scarcity in Ondo State affected business activities across the state with commercial drivers slightly increasing their fares by 50 per cent. Commuters who could not afford the fares were observed to be trekking a long distance to their various destinations.

While some stations sold petrol for N750/litre, others sold at N650.

It was gathered that the fuel stations in Akwa Ibom State dispensed fuel between N700 and N740/litre across the state as of Monday.

One of our correspondents who monitored the NNPC and Fonnex filling stations in Uyo reports that, though there was no scarcity of the product, stations hiked prices.

A petrol attendant in one of the filling stations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue said, “There is no fuel scarcity anywhere in the state as you can see, but we are still selling at N700.”

In Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, few petrol stations with long queues of vehicles dispensed fuel for as high as N1,000/litre on Monday, while the black marketers sold a litre for as high as N1,500. The stations included Shafa, NNPC, NIPCO, and Rainoil.

However, commuters decided to trek to their destinations as okada riders charged between N500 and N2,000, depending on the distance.

Similarly, in Ekiti State, the fuel crisis bit harder on Monday as many car owners resorted to parking their vehicles at home and patronised either commercial cars or bikes.

The queue was long at the NNPC filling station along Iworoko Road which dispensed petrol at N580/litre.

A driver, simply identified as Wale, said, “It took me over two hours before I could get to the pump at NNPC along Iworoko Road. But I was disappointed the attendants were rationing the fuel and did not dispense above N10,000 worth of fuel for any vehicle.”

A car wash operator along Ado Federal Polytechnic Road said he bought five litres for N8,000.

Tunde Olomu, an okada rider, lamented, “The black-market operators are cruel. They sell at N1,000 per litre at Nova Junction and N1,200 per litre at Atikankan”.

Olomu, who said the present situation had occasioned an increase in transport fares, said, “We now charge about N400 for distances that used to be N200, and N300 for those that used to be N100 and N150. I can tell you that taxi fares have been raised as well”.

The Ekiti State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, at their monthly congress, called on the state government to urgently intervene.

The NUJ, in a communiqué issued at the end of the congress, called for an investigation of the cause of the scarcity, queues and high prices “with a view to punishing those engaging in sharp practices to the detriment of the citizens.”

In the same vein, fuel stations in Niger State hiked the pump price of the product following the scarcity of fuel.

The price of fuel, PUNCH learnt, was stable and there were no queues at the filling stations until Sunday when retailers got information that the price of the product in neighbouring FCT was high and motorists could not get fuel.

The stations were said to have created an artificial scarcity and also hiked the price of petrol.

PUNCH investigation on Monday showed that most of the stations in the state were selling a litre of fuel for N900 and above.

The black marketers were also sighted hawking the product for N1,100 and above.

NMDPRA reacts

Meanwhile, the NMDPRA regional coordinator, Cardoso told one of our correspondents that the agency could no longer regulate prices, saying PMS was deregulated following the removal of subsidy by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023.

“For now, the price is based on supply and demand, but we are still going out to make sure that people are not exploiting consumers.

“My people are on the field; they are going round. So, if you see any specific one you think we should handle, you can let us know. But since morning, we’ve been on the field, including myself, making sure nobody is hoarding. You know once there is enough supply, all those things will be a thing of the past.

“We don’t handle price anymore; it is deregulated since the subsidy has been removed. What we do is that there is a price bound that we are monitoring. The person who can determine the price is the person who is supplying marketers, and that is the NNPCL. Once the NNPCL says this is what they are selling, we just expect that there will be some margin around the NNPCL figure and it should not be too excessive,” Cardoso said.

He further said, “If the NNPCL is selling at N580, we don’t expect anybody to sell more than N630 or N650 at worst. If you let us know those selling at N700 or N800, we will take action. But you have to know that this is happening because there is scarcity. Outside scarcity, those things will come down. We can’t use the current prices to judge what the normal price should be.

“Any station we get to, and we see hoarding, we will ask them to start selling and they have to sell at the official NNPC price.”

‘Don’t store fuel’

Meanwhile, Nigerians have been warned to stop hoarding fuel in their houses to avoid a fire outbreak.

“We want to tell everybody that they should be patient, things will get cleared very soon. We have quite enough fuel being discharged. We want to enjoin people not to store fuel at home because of the safety issues around it.

“This is a flammable product, and you cannot guarantee how to handle it if you store it in your house. People should not store petroleum products at home. There will be enough fuel very soon,” Cardoso stated.

Also, the Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, Ola Oresanya, warned against storing fuel at home.

Oresanya advised, “It is all about safety matters. We should not be tempted to store fuel. PMS is a very volatile material and there is no second chance when it comes to the safety of lives and properties.

“So, it is better for us to endure the pains of the discomfort at the moment. Discomfort is better than loss of lives. We just want to implore our people to make sure that they don’t store fuel in the house. We should please avoid hoarding fuel to avoid any form of domestic or industrial accident”.

Kwara task force

The Kwara State Government Task Force on Monday raided some filling stations within the Ilorin metropolis, cautioning them against hoarding of fuel.

The government said the raid was part of the government’s measures to address fuel scarcity in the state.

In a statement, the Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Government House Ilorin, Mashood Agboola, noted that the committee was set up by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to see to the problem of fuel shortage.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we cannot be folding our hands watching. We have to see that the majority of our people enjoy the dividends of democracy,” the leader of the task force and Chief of Staff at Government House, Mahe Abdulkadir, told reporters during the exercise.

Abdulkadir called on the people of the state to be patient and avoid panic-buying.

“We want to call on the people of the state to be patient and avoid panic buying. The Federal Government is not trying to increase the prices of fuel. We will make sure our people are not shortchanged,” he added.

This came as the National Association of Nigerian Students threatened to embark on mass action if the Federal Government failed to take immediate steps to address the current fuel crisis in the country.

The students’ body also asked the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Mele Kyari, to resign if he could not take decisive actions to resolve the fuel crisis.

The association’s Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, in a statement on Monday, lamented that the fuel scarcity has left many citizens, including students, frustrated and helpless.

The NANS senate president lamented that students are now facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the increase in petrol pump prices and the scarcity of the product.

While demanding immediate action from the NNPCL to resolve the fuel crisis and restore stability, Babatunde said the students would hit the streets in protest if the situation persisted.

[Punch]

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, said the Federal Government is working in the interest of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank following a hike in electricity tariff. 

Falana stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday.

He said, “The Honourable Minister of Power is acting the script of the IMF and the World Bank.

“Those two agencies insisted and they continue to insist that the government of Nigeria must remove all subsidies. Fuel subsidy, electricity subsidy and what have you; all social services must be commercialised and priced beyond the reach of the majority of Nigerians.

“So, the government cannot afford to protect the interest of Nigerians where you are implementing the neoliberal policies of the Bretton Wood institutions.”

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria accused Western countries led by the United States of America of double standards.

According to Falana, they subsidize agriculture, energy, and fuel and offer grants and loans to indigent students while they advise the Nigerian government against doing the same for its citizens.

Recall that the announcement of the tariff increase by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu was greeted by public outrage.

But, Adelabu said the action would not affect everyone using electricity as only Band A customers who get about 20 hours of electricity are affected by the hike.

Falana, however, said neither the minister nor the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has justified the tariff increase.

The senior lawyer said that Nigerian law gives no room for discrimination against customers by grading them in different bands.

According to Falana, the government cannot ask Nigerians to pay differently for the same product even when what has been consistently served to them is darkness.

Falana, however, said that nothing will come out of the probe by the Senate, adding that the matter has to be taken to court so that the minister and the Attorney General of the Federation can defend the move.

[Vanguard]

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has announced the deregulation of meter prices under the meter asset provider (MAP) scheme for end-user customers.

This is contained in a circular issued by the commission on Monday.

In September 2023, NERC approved an increase in the prices of single-phase electricity meters to N81,975.16 and three-phase meters was increased to N143,836.10. 

According to the circular, from May 1, all prices of meters under the MAP scheme will be determined through a competitive bidding process with customers provided with a choice of authorised vendors.

According to the commission, the review is based on the need for the efficient pricing of meters “to respond more quickly to changes in macroeconomic parameters, particularly exchange rates”. 

“The cost of prices of meters deployed under the MAP scheme is thereby to enable end-use customers acquire meters from MAPS of their choice based on competitive open market prices determined from transparent bidding frameworks,” NERC said. 

“All MAP permits holders are henceforth eligible to provide services and transact for the provision of meters and metering services with any Disco in the Federal Republic of Nigeria with their existing permit. 

“The lifting of the restriction on permitting to operate in all DisCos is subject to the mandatory requirement for MAPS to comply with the associated DisCo specific requirements/specifications.”

NERC said all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) would ensure the effective and seamless integration of smart meters deployed by MAPS with DisCo’s head-end systems and metre data management systems.

[TheCable]