One of the promises the Federal Government made to pacify Organised Labour at yesterday’s parley was that five refineries would soon be fully functional.

Also, government vowed to pay arrears of wages.

These, among others, formed the core of the meeting where “they agreed that it is better to ‘jaw-jaw than war-war’.”

“Meaning,” a source told Vanguard, “there will be continuous dialogue between government and labour.”

Recall that Vanguard broke the story, yesterday, that leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and their Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart were meeting with the Federal Government.

However, obviously acting on agreed terms, neither the government representatives nor the labour leaders spoke with newsmen on what was discussed and agreed on at the meeting.

FG’s promises

A source, however, revealed to Vanguard the many promises Federal Government made to the Labour leaders.

According to a reliable source: “As part of efforts at crashing transport fares across the country, the Federal Government will hold a meeting with state governors to fully embrace the CNG buses.

“This will also affect the cost of foodstuffs as it will reduce the costs of transporting food items from different locations to consumers drastically.

“These are parts of efforts to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on the citizens.

“The government also promised to summon a meeting of the economic council to impress it upon state governors to ensure the new minimum wage takes off across the country this month.

“It also promised to incorporate labour into the economic council, so labour will participate and monitor economic policies of government, instead of government throwing policies at labour and Nigerians that may result in agitation or protest.”

“The government also promised to hasten and complete the refineries.

“They said almost five refineries are about to be completed,’’ another source told Vanguard last night.

The sources confirmed that “government promised to pay all outstanding arrears and wage awards to workers, and inaugurate all the boards labour has representatives.”

Labour pacified

One of the sources said: “All these are promises, but the good thing is that it was agreed that the meeting will be a continuous process.”

Asked if labour was satisfied with the meeting, the source said: “It is not about satisfaction, but a way forward from the past where government was not discussing with organised labour. 

‘’If this trend or practice continues, there is every possibility that disagreements between government and labour will reduce.”

Roll call

The government’s representatives at the meeting were Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, NSA; Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Labour Minister; and Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. 

Others include Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Information Minister; Heineken Lokpobiri, Petroleum Resources Minister, State; Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), and representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL.

For Organised Labour were the President of NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero; Deputy President, Kabiru Ado Sani; the General Secretary, Mr Emma Ugboaja; Deputy President of the TUC, Dr. Tommy Etim Okon; the Secretary General, Nuhu Toro; and the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, who is also a deputy president of NLC.

Vanguard News

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to investigate the tanker explosion that claimed the lives of over 100 people in Jigawa State.

In a directive by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Nneamaka Okafor on Wednesday, the minister also expressed regret over the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.

The tragic incident in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area of the state, occurred at around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majiya Town, when the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University, according to the state police spokesperson, Shi’isu Adam, the explosion

The tanker, which had departed Kano and was heading to Nguru Town in Yobe State, exploded after the driver lost control.

It was reported that, following the explosion, some individuals attempted to scoop the spilt product, which led to many fatalities.

The statement read: “The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya Town, Taura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, which resulted in the loss of over 100 lives and left dozens more injured.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Federal Government, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating incident.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured, and we wish them a swift and full recovery.

“The Minister has instructed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to promptly commence a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event.”

The Minister also urged Nigerians to avoid approaching vehicles transporting petroleum products that have been involved in accidents or mechanical failures. He called on petroleum transporters to ensure that only certified drivers who comply with safety standards, as stipulated by the Federal Road Safety Corps, are employed to transport petroleum products.

“While we understand the temptation to scavenge, the dangers of attempting to collect spilt fuel cannot be overstated. The tragic loss of lives in this incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe risks involved.

“The Ministry remains committed to ensuring the safety of Nigerians in all aspects of petroleum product distribution and transport. We will continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to enforce stricter safety measures and prevent future occurrences.”

An Ekiti State High Court, Ado Ekiti Division, has sentenced a 31-year-old man, Olaleye Jimoh, to 20 years imprisonment for raping a 50-year-old woman.

Ariyo was arraigned on July 5, 2022, before Justice Adeniyi Familoni on a count charge bordering on rape.

According to the charge, the defendant on January 22, 2021, “did rape a 50-year-old woman, contrary to Section 2 of the Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law,No. 18 of 2019”.

In his statement to the Police, the victim said, “I went to pay a condolence visit to one of my business partners at Abidoye Farm in Odo Owa Ekiti. On my way back home, I saw the defendant going towards the same route.

“As my neighbour, he requested to help me and I agreed. At a point, he stopped, he said he wanted to pick something at a nearby primary school, and he asked me to hold something for him, I became unconscious immediately after I touched the substance.

“I later found myself in the bush where I discovered I had been raped.”

The prosecutor, Funmi Bello, called two witnesses and tendered the defendant’s statements and a torn pant as exhibits.

The defendant, who spoke in his defence through his lawyer, Adunni Olanipekun, denied committing the offence and called three witnesses.

In the judgement on Friday, Justice Adeniyi Familoni said, “It is my findings that the prosecution has proved the alleged offence of the rape of the victim beyond reasonable doubt and the defendant is convicted as charged.

“Consequently, the defendant, Olaleye Jimoh, is hereby sentenced to 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine.

“The sentence is with effect from the date he was arrested and detained.”

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, will depart Abuja for Sweden on a two-day visit to represent Nigeria in bilateral engagements with the Scandinavian nation.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha on Wednesday, said Shettima’s visit is at the instance of President Bola Tinubu.

The Vice President, during the working visit, will engage in high-level bilateral talks with key government officials, including a meeting with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the Swedish Prime Minister.

Senator Shettima will use the visit to explore opportunities for strengthened collaboration between Nigeria and Sweden in areas such as ICT, innovation, education, digitalisation, sustainable transport, mining, and agriculture.

He will meet with key stakeholders in both the Government and Private Sector.

The Vice President will also meet with Norrsken, a Stockholm-based venture capital impact investor, which recently launched Norrsken22, a USD 205 million tech investment fund for Africa.

Norrsken22 is a technology growth fund, backed by over 30 prominent unicorn founders, partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs to build Africa’s next tech giants.

The meeting with Norrsken will provide insights into how Nigerian entrepreneurs can benefit from this fund and further strengthen the technology ecosystem in Nigeria.

Notably, 40% of the investments from Norrsken22 are expected to be allocated to Nigerian technology entrepreneurs.

Twelve (12) Nigerian private sector companies that are doing business with Sweden are going independently as a private sector bloc.

While in Sweden, VP Shettima is also expected to articulate Nigeria’s economic vision and the reforms being undertaken by the administration to create a business-friendly environment in Nigeria for investors. The myriad of opportunities that abound in Africa’s largest economy will also be showcased.

The Vice President is expected back in the country on Saturday.

The World Bank has warned that a further increase in the prices of Premium Motor Spirit also known as petrol may reverse the already dwindling effects of subsidy removal in Nigeria.

The warning is contained in the October edition of its Africa’s Pulse report.

President Bola Tinubu as of May 2023, officially pronounced an end to petrol subsidies in Nigeria, jerking PMS prices from N175 per litre to over N1000 across the country.

The report said; “While the inflationary effects of a weakened naira in the first months of this year and the removal of the gasoline subsidy in the second half of 2023 appeared to be gradually subsiding, a further increase in gasoline prices by 40-45 per cent in September may reverse the disinflationary trend.”

It said economic growth in Nigeria is projected at 3.3 per cent in 2024 and 3.6 per cent in 2025–26 as macroeconomic and fiscal reforms gradually start yielding results.

“Inflation peaked in June 2024 (at 34.2 per cent year-on-year) and decelerated to 33.4 per cent in July and further to 32.2 per cent in August,” it said, adding that the consolidation of macroeconomic reforms should support higher growth in the country in 2025.

The report also said the naira has been listed among the worst-performing currencies in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024.

As of the end of August 2024, the naira had depreciated by approximately 43 per cent year-to-date, making it one of the region’s weakest currencies alongside the Ethiopian birr and South Sudanese pound.

The depreciation of the naira is attributed to several factors, including surging demand for United States dollars in the parallel market, limited dollar inflows, and delays in foreign exchange disbursements by Nigeria’s central bank.

The World Bank’s report further highlighted that demand for dollars, driven by financial institutions, non-financial end-users, and money managers, has exacerbated the pressure on the naira.

It noted, “By August 2024, the Ethiopian birr, Nigerian naira, and South Sudanese pound were among the worst performers in the region. The Nigerian naira continued losing value, with a year-to-date depreciation of about 43 per cent as of end-August.

“Surges in demand for US dollars in the parallel market, driven by financial institutions, money managers, and non-financial end-users, combined with limited dollar inflows and slow foreign exchange disbursements to currency exchange bureaus by the central bank explain the weakening of the naira.”

Nollywood actor, Ayobami Olabiyi, popularly known as Bobo B, has reportedly passed away in Ibadan, Oyo State.

His death was announced on Wednesday by Bose Akinola, the governor of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN) in Oyo state.

Olabiyi, who was the former governor of the TAMPAN in Oyo state and its current national secretary, died after a brief illness.

According to The Nation, Olabiyi, who was supposed to be on a movie set in Oyo last month, could not make it due to his deteriorating health.

He was admitted to the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he passed on.

Akintola statement reads: “I have a directive of the Oyo state TAMPAN governor, Her Excellency Yeye Bose Akinola to announce the death of our TAMPAN national general secretary, Chief Alhaji Musadshir Ayobami Olabiyi ‘Bobo B. May God give his family and the entire TAMPAN members globally the fortitude to bear the loss. Insha Allah, Amen.”

Another colleague, Abidemi Temitayo while paying tribute said: “I remembered what happened vividly the night I took that second slide with you after shooting…we were both on the set of the shoot when the director was giving us a line, Say Y was the director then and asked us to do CR, I said there is no need for it, the director was like will you? Bobo B then replied Bidemi is sure of herself, ki se Omode actor now, we all laughed and we shot the movie, no tape 2 or more, we then took a picture with my person, three of us, and then took the crew too before leaving but today that same jovial man is no more hearing about your de*th is so shocking

“Alhaji Mudashir Ayobami Olabiyi. This is so sad. Rest well Bobo B…. The industry will surely miss you, even the world at large.”

There are strong indications that the nation’s university system may be crippled any moment from now as members of the Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational and other Associated Institutions, NASU, have threatened to resume their suspended strike over four-month withheld salaries by the Federal Government.

General Secretary of NASU, Prince Peters Adeyemi, gave this hint on the sideline of the ongoing National Executive Council, NEC, of the Union taking place in Abuja.

Though he declined to give the exact date of the commencement of the strike, it is expected that the NEC members will take the decision in the course of their meeting.

Details soon.

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to reverse the recently increased prices of premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol and cooking gas.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call was a sequel to a resolution to a motion by the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers) at plenary in Abuja on Wednesday.

Chinda, while moving the motion, stressed the need for interventions targeted at price relief, tax reductions, or subsidies on cooking gas, also called liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for low-income households.

He noted that Nigeria, as an oil-producing nation, had historically relied on petroleum products and cooking gas (LPG) as essential sources of energy for both domestic and industrial purposes.

The lawmaker stated that in recent months, the prices of petrol and cooking gas had skyrocketed and continued to do so, thus creating an unsustainable financial burden on ordinary Nigerians and exacerbating the cost of living.

According to him, the removal of fuel subsidies, coupled with global oil price volatility and the depreciation of the naira, had contributed significantly to the rising cost of petrol and cooking gas for households.

“Nigerians are worried that the escalating fuel and gas prices are impacting on the transportation, food, essential goods and healthcare as well as increasing inflation.

“Further push on the prices of these two items had exposed many families to deeper financial hardship.

“Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), are struggling to manage their operational costs due to increased fuel prices, threatening economic stability and job security.

“The Federal Government has the refining capacity to address some of these issues but has yet to deliver significant results in this regard.

“The rising cost of petrol and cooking gas poses a significant threat to the livelihood of millions of Nigerians and unchecked inflationary pressure caused by the increased prices can lead to social unrest, increased poverty rates, and negative long-term economic effects,” he said.

Chinda said that unless urgent and pragmatic steps were taken to control the rising cost of petrol and cooking gas, the nation would go into economic crisis, leading to negative outcomes like increased crime and mortality rates.

Consequently, the house called on Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Ministry of Petroleum Resources and other relevant agencies to expedite the repair/maintenance of domestic refineries.

According to the lawmakers, an increase in local refining capacity will serve as a stop-gap measure to reduce the dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

The Green Chambers also urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to implement monetary policies that would mitigate the adverse effects of petrol price hikes on inflation, particularly with regard to essential goods and services.

The house urged the federal government to explore alternative energy sources and diversify the country’s energy mix to reduce reliance on petrol and gas by promoting renewable energy solutions that were more sustainable and affordable.

The lawmakers urged state governments to adopt policies that could alleviate the financial burden on the citizens, such as waiving taxes or levies on transportation and goods affected by high petrol costs.

In his ruling, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas mandated the Committees on Petroleum Downstream and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back to the house within two weeks for further legislative actions.

Africa-focused e-commerce retailer Jumia Technologies will shut down its South African online fashion retailer Zando and its Tunisian operations by the end of the year.

CEO Francis Dufay revealed that the move is part of a strategic refocus on more profitable markets such as Nigeria.

To achieve profitability, Jumia is implementing aggressive cost-cutting measures, which include reducing its workforce, exiting the everyday grocery and food delivery sectors, and scaling back delivery services unrelated to its core e-commerce business.

“The trajectory of the countries did not align with the strategy of the group,” Dufay explained, citing complex macroeconomic conditions, a competitive landscape, and limited medium-term growth potential in these regions. He added, “We believe it’s the right decision,” emphasizing that the move will allow the company to concentrate its resources on the other nine markets where growth prospects are more promising.

Jumia’s remaining markets include Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria. Dufay expressed confidence that success in these regions could help recover volumes lost from the closures in South Africa and Tunisia. He noted that Zando and the Tunisian operations contributed only 2.7% of total orders and 3% of Gross Merchandise Value during the first half of the year.

Zando.co.za, founded in 2012, has established itself as a prominent online fashion platform in South Africa. Meanwhile, Jumia’s Tunisian operations have been running under the Jumia brand for a decade, offering general merchandise.

Dufay confirmed that there are no plans to sell either operation, which will hold clearance sales before their shutdown. The closures will result in approximately 110 job losses, although some employees may be relocated within the company’s other divisions.

This decision comes shortly after South Africa’s largest online retail group, Takealot, announced the sale of its fashion subsidiary, Superbalist, amid rising competition from fast-fashion e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu. Dufay acknowledged that the growth potential in South Africa is increasingly challenging due to the highly competitive environment.

Human rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana, and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz, have demanded a public apology and retraction of defamatory statements made by the popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, in audio recordings circulating online.

In one of the audios shared by controversial media critic Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claimed that he had spoken with Falz, requesting his assistance in persuading his father (Falana) to help secure a presidential pardon, which allegedly cost N10 million.

The crossdresser also alleged that he asked Falz for N3 million to secure special treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

In another audio shared by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claimed to have paid N5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in an attempt to secure a Federal Government pardon over charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

However, in a letter dated 14 October 2024, issued by Falana’s legal representatives, Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo E. Olawanle, and seen by our correspondent on Wednesday, Bobrisky was accused of making false and defamatory statements about Falana and his son’s involvement in the alleged bribery and pardon.

The legal team described Bobrisky’s claims as entirely unfounded and damaging to Falana’s reputation. They demanded a full retraction and apology, to be published on all platforms where the statements were shared.

The letter read, “We are Counsel to Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Mr. Folarin Falana aka Falz (hereinafter referred to as ‘our clients’), on whose behalf we write this letter regarding your slanderous statements against them.

“We have confirmed that you took advantage of your recent imprisonment to extort money from a group of artists and other members of the public.

You will recall that on 4 May 2024, you called Mr. Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, and requested N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) to secure special treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

“Although Falz refused your request, you falsely claimed in a video that he told you his father, our client, had agreed to write a letter of pardon for you. You also stated that our client had spoken with you and that N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) was required to bribe officials to process your pardon.”

The letter continued, “In another video, you claimed to have paid N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to secure a Federal Government pardon over charges filed against you by the EFCC. You further alleged that the Senior Advocate initially requested N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) for his legal services but, due to your frozen account, you could not raise the full amount.”

Falana’s legal team clarified that no such conversation had ever taken place and that Bobrisky’s allegations were aimed at extorting money from the public while tarnishing Falana’s professional reputation.

“In fact, you have published a list of individuals who believed your fabricated story and contributed millions of naira, supposedly to pay our client to write a letter of pardon and bribe public officers on your behalf.
“Your decision to involve our client in your criminal activities was purely a figment of your imagination.

“Contrary to your baseless claims, you never instructed our client to write a letter of pardon for you,” the letter further stated.

Additionally, the legal team emphasised that Bobrisky had never spoken with Falana nor instructed him to write a letter of pardon. The claim of a N5 million payment was also dismissed as groundless.

“It is clear that you made these defamatory statements recklessly, knowing full well that you did not call our client to request a letter of pardon. Our client has NEVER spoken to you regarding your pardon or any other matter,” the lawyers asserted.

“Given that our client has secured pardons for over 300 Nigerians convicted by military and civilian courts in Nigeria, Libya, Thailand, and The Gambia on a pro bono basis, your defamatory statements have severely damaged his reputation, both locally and internationally.

“We, therefore, demand an immediate retraction of your defamatory and derogatory statements, along with a prominently aired or published apology on all platforms where your false statements have been shared.

“If we do not receive your formal retraction and apology within 12 (twelve) hours of your receipt of this letter, we will proceed with our client’s instructions to pursue legal remedies, including seeking monetary damages, for your malicious defamatory statements.

“We hope you will urgently address the issues raised herein in your own best interest,” the legal team concluded.

The PUNCH reports that the Lagos State High Court has ordered VeryDarkMan to remove defamatory comments and videos concerning Falana and his son, Folarin, from his social media platforms.

Justice M.O. Dawodu issued the ruling in suit no: ID/8584/GCM/2024 on Monday.

He ruled that the publications made by VeryDarkMan on his social media platforms on 24 September 2024, linking Bobrisky to Falz and his father, were defamatory and harmful to their public image.