Nigerians have lamented worsening living conditions after the recent hike in fuel prices,Saturday PUNCH reports.

The hardship, which started after the removal of fuel subsidy and devaluation of the naira, was exacerbated on Wednesday when the pump price of fuel jumped from around N800 to N1,150 per litre.

Our correspondents noted that since then, there has been a skyrocketing increase in the prices of food items as transport costs soared.

Many Nigerians expressed frustration with the situation, saying they could no longer afford to feed their family members due to strained budgets.

Abuja, Lagos

Saturday PUNCH gathered that intra-city transporters in Abuja and the Federal Capital Territory, have increased their fares by N100 while those operating inter-state hiked fares by N500 to N1,000, depending on the destination.

A worker in a financial firm in Lagos, Donald Eke, said his transport fare from New Road to Lekki Phase 1 on Lagos Island increased by over 100 per cent.

“The fare has been increasing steadily, but since the recent fuel hike, a trip that used to cost N300 to my office now costs N700. With serious negotiation, you could pay N600,” he stated.

It was learnt that commuters from Iyana Iba to the Iyana Ipaja axis of Lagos, who used to spend N500, now pay between N700 and N800. Similarly, the fare from the Lagos State University gate to Iyana Ipaja, which used to be N400, is now N700, representing a 75 per cent increase.

Commuters who travel from Iyana Iba and LASU gate to Igando, who formerly paid N200, now spend N300 since the fuel hike began.

One of our correspondents also gathered that commuters from Igando to Egbeda, who used to pay N300, now spend between N400 and N500.

Ogun State

In Ogun State, passengers who ply the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway lamented the hike in transport fares, which they said increased by 100 per cent.

A sales representative, Treasure Ettah, who resides in Magboro, told Saturday PUNCH that the transport fare from the Prayer City axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to his workplace in Gbagada, Lagos, spiked by 100 to 140 per cent.

“My transport fare is normally N500, and at most N700 to Gbagada before. Now, it’s between N1,000 to N1,400 from Prayer City. I am just managing the situation because I can’t sit at home,” Ettah said.

A pharmacist, who resides in Magboro, Chinedum Ucheaga, and works at Ojodu, Berger, also told one of our correspondents that the fuel hike led to an increase in bus fares by at least 60 per cent.

“Before, I used to spend like N400, as the least fare to Berger. Now, it seems N500 is the lowest they can carry you because as of today (Friday), some passengers paid N700, while others spent N800 due to the blockage along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway because of the construction. Some passengers spent as much as N1,000 going to Ikeja Secretariat,” he said.

Passengers reported that commercial buses from Ibafo to Magboro, previously charging N200, now charge N300, while the fare to Ikorodu was increased from N1,000 to N1,500.

Commuters from Magboro to Oshodi, who previously spent N800, now pay as high as N1,400, reflecting a 75 per cent increase.

Magboro to Ojota, which was N500, was hiked to N800; while Ketu fare was also hiked from N300 to N500.

A commuter, Ireti Ayodele, lamented that the hike in the cost of transportation had made a mess of her earnings.

She said, “My income is not even enough to cover transport costs again. The same place I paid N500 for on Thursday is now N1,000 today. This is too much.”

Osun, Ondo states

In Osun State, commercial operators known as Korope drivers in Osogbo, have also adjusted their fares due to the fuel hike.

A resident of the state, Kazeem Badmus, said the transport fares to Okuku, Ife, Ilesa and Iwo have been increased to N2,500, N2,000, N1,500 and N2,000 from N1,500, N1,200 and N2,000 respectively.

At the Aregbe Park in the state capital, the transport fare from Osogbo, which was formerly N3,500 as of Tuesday, has now increased to N4,000.

“Commuters travelling to Ondo, Ore, and Lagos now pay between N5,000 and N8,000,” an Osogbo resident told one of our correspondents.

Checks by Saturday PUNCH showed that the price of petrol ranged from N1,000 to N1,200 across most of the filling stations in Ondo State.

The transport fare of commercial vehicles at the shortest distance in Ondo State is now N200, while inter-state commercial vehicles have increased their fares by 20 per cent.

A car owner, Edwards Oladeinde, lamented that he bought four litres of petrol for N6,000.

He said, “The government should be consistent on fuel prices because this development has aggravated our suffering.”

Plateau, Yobe, Benue states

In Plateau State, residents expressed worry that due to increased transportation fares, more people might be forced to remain indoors.

A resident, Philip Dontur, who spoke with one of our correspondents, noted that the transport fare from Jos to Shendam, which used to be N4,000 a few months ago, has now increased to N6,000.

“Jos-Shendam route used to be very busy because of the high traffic volume of passengers but now, the situation has changed. Those loading in the park have to stay for hours without seeing passengers while the road has become virtually empty. All because of the high cost of transportation because people no longer want to travel,” Dontur stated.

A similar trend was observed in Yobe State where Saturday PUNCH gathered that transportation costs have also surged by about 50 per cent.

Previously, the transport fares from Damaturu to Potiskum ranged from N1,500 to N1,800, depending on the type of vehicle, with mass transit and Yobe Line buses which usually cost less than commercial vehicles.

In Makurdi, the Benue State capital, transportation costs have skyrocketed, including commercial motorcycles, a major means of transportation, which has also gone up from N200 for a short distance to N350.

A resident of High Level, Makurdi who simply identified himself as Teseer, said, “If there is no emergency, why do you need to move around, people have been forced to stay indoors.”

Foodstuff prices skyrocket

Saturday PUNCH also learnt that a bag of yam flours which was sold at N400,000 two weeks ago in Lagos, now sells at N550,000 as of the time of filing this report.

Also, a bag of rice that was previously sold at N80,000 has been increased to N100,000 according to a foodstuffs seller in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In Bauchi State, traders, customers and transporters of food produce lamented the hike in the prices of commodities.

Speaking with one of our correspondents, a trader in New GRA Bauchi, Anas Yusuf, explained that the cost of transporting goods from Kano to Bauchi skyrocketed due to higher fuel prices.

“When I order goods at a higher price, customers complain, and some even leave without purchasing anything because they can’t afford it. Customers often express their anger, but as a business owner, I have to remain patient to keep them coming,” Anas said.

A father of one, Muazu Husseini, explained that in the past, his family fed three times a day, but currently, they eat once due to the hike in food prices.

He added, “In the past, N10,000 was enough to last the family for two weeks, but now it is not enough to last even a week. While prices may go down sometimes, the relief doesn’t reach everywhere.”

A bread seller in the Rukuba Road community, in Jos, Plateau State, Mrs Charity Gideon, also lamented the hike in food prices.

“People no longer buy bread like before due to high price and everything is caused by high fuel cost. I don’t know what the government wants the people to do before they know that everything is virtually dependent on the price of fuel,” she said.

In Yobe State, several food sellers also complained about the significant drop in patronage in the food markets over the past two days.

During a visit to the popular Bayan-Tasha market in Damaturu, one of our correspondents observed a decline in the number of buyers and sellers present in the market.

A trader in the market, Mallam Haruna Mamman, said, “The price of a measure of rice, both local and imported, has increased significantly. The local variety, which used to cost between N3,700 and N3,900, now costs between N4,500 and N5,400, depending on the type.”

He continued, “Maize, which previously cost between N3,800 and N4,000, now costs between N4,500 and N4,600. Similarly, millet and sorghum, which were priced between N2,000 and N2,200, have also seen price hikes.”

Similarly, when one of our correspondents visited Wadatta Market in Benue State, he observed a drastic drop in the number of customers.

A trader at the market, who is known as Terdue, said many shop owners, especially those dealing in fabrics, utensils and other stuff, seldom come to the market.

He said, “The cost of a measure of local rice which was sold for N3,100 on Thursday now goes for N3,200 today (Friday).

“A basin of garri that used to cost N22,500 now goes for N32,000, so also other food items like beans, millet and corn.”

A trader, who gave his name simply as Mallam Yusuf and sells fruits at the market, said three oranges which used to be N100 now cost N250. Similarly, one apple which used to cost N200 is now sold for N400.

Hunger dey, Netizens cry out

Many Nigerians have also taken to social media to express their frustration over the recent fuel price hikes, lamenting that there is hunger in the land.

The mood seems to have been captured in a trending song by an up-and-coming artiste and skit maker, Lawal Michael, popularly known as Nasboi.

Michael, in the song titled, ‘Hunger dey’, said economic hardship is biting hard and Nigerians are suffering.

“There is no food, rice and garri are expensive. There is ulcer, and there is no food to cure it. Hunger will kill somebody in Lagos.”

His song resonated with the conditions of many Nigerians who also expressed frustration with getting by daily.

An X user, Dr Hafsatu Danladi, said Nigerians were sinking deeper into poverty because the economy was in free fall.

She wrote, “It is heartbreaking to watch a government so out of touch with the pain of its own people. How much more can we endure?

“Fuel prices have skyrocketed, inflation is at an all-time high, and survival feels like a daily battle. Meanwhile, T-pain (Tinubu) is holidaying in London on taxpayer money while Nigerians go to bed on empty stomachs. This is beyond shameful.”

Also commenting on the fuel hike, Benson Onyekachi, on his X handle, stated that Nigeria was experiencing the worst economic crisis in about 30 years, adding that the hardship was contributing to citizens’ mental health crises.

“People are not in their best selves anymore, the majority looking tensed and tired, overwhelmed with worries of how to sail through this present economic hardship without getting drowned in it. The atmosphere in Nigeria now is not encouraging at all, people just surviving to fight another day”, said Olayode Temitayo.

According to a netizen, Nnenna Okoronkeo, Nigerians have turned into beggars in their own country.

“We have been rendered destitute in what is supposed to be our free country. For how long are we going to keep adjusting? People have turned into beggars, they are fast losing their minds and even taking their own lives. It is crazy times in Nigeria, Tinubu is out to kill us,” she wrote.

Echoing the same complaint, an X user, Oluwawemimo Awe-Kolawole, lamented that commodities that used to be affordable to Nigerians became luxury within a year, adding that Nigerians are now “fighting each other on soup matter.”

Tinubu daring Nigerians –Protest organisers

The organizers of the #EndBadGovernance and #FearlessinOctober protests lampooned President Tinubu over the recent hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit.

Speaking in separate interviews with our correspondent on Friday, the organisers demanded the immediate reversal of the fuel price.

The National Coordinator, the Take it Back Movement, Juwon Sanyaolu said the President was daring Nigerians with the latest price hike, adding that his group and other organisers would consider their next line of action.

On his part, the Initiator, Creative Change Centre, Omole Ibukun, noted that he and other organisers of the last protests were mobilising and would announce action which would be taken afterwards.

He said, “The continuous hike in fuel price is a reflection of how dubious the Nigerian government is when it comes to telling Nigerians the truth about the implications of the policies they implement on the masses. The government has fraudulently portrayed subsidy removal and deregulation as the key to lowering fuel prices for Nigerians, but we can all see that’s a lie.

“Our demand stands and it is that this country has enough resources presently to return fuel price to pre-May 29, 2023 price. One important way to achieve this is to get our public refineries working rather than put the Nigerian people at the mercy of imported fuel or at the mercy of a private refinery, despite Nigeria being a major oil-producing country.

“However, we are presently engaged in democratic mobilisation of efforts for the mass of Nigerians to agree on a form of direct action, which could be a protest, that we can use to respond to this new attack on our living conditions by the government. It is that democratic mobilisation that will determine when a protest will commence on this.”

The winner of the recently concluded Big Brother Naija (No Lose Guard) Season Nine, Kingsley Sule, aka Kellyrae, talks about his time in the house and plans for his career

At what point did you start feeling that you could win the show?

There was no point that I thought I was going to win the competition. I was just praying that God should keep us (he and his wife and partner, Kassia) till the second week. I figured that if we were evicted after the first week, we would be leaving nothing behind, and wouldn’t have made appreciable impact. I always had it at the back of my mind that we had to leave the show with something, and also leave something behind. Even if we leave with the money, it is what we leave behind that people will talk about. Those are the things that will open more doors for us. However, we lasted beyond the first, second and third week. From that point, I felt that anything could happen, and put everything in God’s Hands.

As a matter of fact, if I had been told to predict a likely winner, I would not have mentioned my name.

Even till now, my brain is still processing the realisation that I won the show. It’s almost like I don’t know what I’m doing here, being interviewed. I am just answering questions. Last night (Sunday), I could not sleep; I just kept rolling in bed.  You can imagine how it feels like for someone that came from nothing to become something.

Who else do you think could have won the show?

Going by what I had heard about BBN, as regards the kind of content people are said to love, I thought people like Wanni, Handi, Onyeka, or the Mbadiwe twins could have won. Those people (I mentioned) were prominent in the house. I was just doing my thing and hoping for the best.

You have said you did not have a strategy but some people are of the opinion that not disclosing your marital status to other contestants early on in the game was a strategy that helped you get to the final. What’s your response to that?

That was not the strategy to get me to the final. It was actually the strategy for me and my wife to connect with other contestants. There were times that Onyeka (another housemate) and I danced during the party, and I also ‘vibed’ with some other girls too? If I had announced my status as a married man, they might not have got close to me. We all saw how the girls were giving Tjay (another contestant) space because he is married.

Also, the guys wouldn’t have danced with my wife if they had known our marital status. We just wanted to connect with people and make friends. Meanwhile, I always had the intention of telling them later.

How do you intend to balance your newfound fame with shielding your family from public scrutiny, considering the increased attention?

Before my wife and I came on the show, we knew what to expect. I had a discussion with my wife, and we predicted that our lives won’t remain the same. And, we got ourselves ready for that outcome. I just got married to my wife in February 2024, but it feels like we’ve been married for long. That’s because we courted for a long time, so we will found our way around.

In what ways do you foresee your win impacting your life?

Even before I won the show, I was already feeling the impact in my life. Like I said, even if I did not win, I wouldn’t have felt bad.

Some people are also of the opinion that your victory was basically about people rewarding you for being a well behaved married man on the show.

As I speak with you right now (Monday), I don’t have my phone with me. I don’t know what has been happening outside (the house). I have not even had a chance to use my phone. Till now, I don’t have any idea of what happened (that influenced the votes).

What were the challenges you faced while in the house and did you overcome them?

I honestly had no challenges. I used to tell Topher and some other housemates to expect some things, even before Big Brother did them.

It was not like I had seen those things in previous editions of the show, but I was only following my instincts. When my gut tells me something, it just happens. I was ready for any outcome.

However, the only thing I did not do and won’t do is to have banters with ladies in the house. As for the men, I gave it to them as well as they gave me.

Aside from the fact that you’re married, your wife was also your partner in the early stage of the competition. How do you intend to share the money with her?

 (Laughs) We will have a meeting, and when we are done, we will let you know our decision.

I earlier heard you referring to her as your secretary and treasurer. How is that?

You are right; that’s what I actually call her. When I released my Extended Play album, she was involved in the planning. Since then, I have been calling her ‘treasurer’. We had been saying that with faith (even when there was no money).

What are your plans for your music career?

I intend to pursue it strongly. Some people have said that participating in BBN does not mean one’s music career will be successful, but I’m different. I have already made history by being the first married man to win the show.

If you were asked to choose a role model among previous winners of the show, who would you pick?

I love all the winners for different reasons. One might love someone’s craft and not be cool with another side of the person. But, that does not mean that one does not like the person.

I pick things from everybody. My mum often says that one could even learn from the dance of a madman. So, I picked things from all of them.

Prior to winning the how, what’s the largest amount of money you had ever made?

I have made and spent millions of naira; but, I have never had one million naira in my account at the same time.

In light of that, how do you intend to handle this large sum of money?

It is not confusing. It is important to be prepared for a stage that one hopes and prays to get to so that when it finally comes, one would know how to handle it. Thankfully, I have taken my time to mature into this, so I’ll be fine.

Music mogul Sean Combs is set to go on trial for racketeering and sex trafficking on May 5, 2025, a judge said in a court hearing Thursday.

The rapper known as “Diddy” will remain incarcerated, said federal judge Arun Subramanian, after he was indicted last month on three criminal counts that allege he sexually abused women and coerced them into drug-fueled sex parties using threats and violence.

Combs has twice been denied bail, as prosecutors have voiced concerns of witness tampering. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

As he entered the courtroom, Combs, wearing a light-colored wrinkled shirt and pants, greeted his mother and children who were attending the hearing.

Prosecutor Emily Johnson said there was still more evidence to explore, noting that 96 electronic devices had been seized in March and that more charges were possible.

Allegations have been building against the Grammy winner since last year, when singer Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura, alleged Combs subjected her to more than a decade of coercion by physical force and drugs as well as a 2018 rape.

A spate of similarly lurid civil lawsuits since have painted a picture of Combs as a violent man who used his celebrity status to prey on women.

And in a bombastic announcement, lawyers said more than 100 people who say Combs assaulted or exploited them — some of them children — were planning more legal action.

The explosion of allegations against him has highlighted a culture in the music industry that many people contend allows for a wider pattern of rampant sexual misconduct.

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has announced that seized petrol in Adamawa State will be sold at an auction price of ₦630 per litre.

This directive was made during a press conference held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State.

Represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG), Aliyu Alajogun, Adeniyi highlighted the significant successes achieved by Operation Whirlwind in combating fuel smuggling in the region.

Alajogun revealed that the operation resulted in the seizure of two lorries, 1,046 kegs filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 12 drums of petroleum products.

In light of these successes, the Customs CG ordered the immediate auction of the seized petrol at two designated petrol stations in Yola.

The auction price of ₦630 per litre aims to provide an opportunity for residents to access fuel at a more affordable rate amidst the ongoing economic challenges in the country.

He said, “Our ongoing operations have recorded substantial seizures in various locations, including the North-West borders in the Sokoto-Kebbi axis, the South-West borders around the Seme-Badagry and Idiroko axis, and the southern borders in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

“I am pleased to announce that in this latest phase of Operation Whirlwind, we have seized two lorries carrying smuggled petroleum products, 1,046 kegs filled with PMS, and 12 drums of petroleum products. Additionally, one suspect has been apprehended in connection with these smuggling activities.”

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, over the death of his daughter.

The President, in a condolence message on Friday, described the death of Fatima, Kyari’s child, as irreparable and painful.

President Tinubu also prayed for the repose of Fatima’s soul and urged the Kyari family to stay strong during these trying times.

Naija News earlier reported that Kyari’s daughter, Fatima, passed away on Friday at the age of 25 after a prolonged illness and has been buried in Abuja according to Islamic rites.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Zazzau, Alhaji Umar Shehu Idris has been reported dead.

Reports obtained by Naija News revealed that Alhaji Idris, who held the title of Dan Isan Zazzau, died following an auto crash on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway on Tuesday afternoon.

At the time of his passing, the late Umar Shehu Idris served as the Assistant Secretary to the Zazzau Emirate Council.

He was 41 years old and is survived by two wives and two children.

Mallam Abdullahi Aliyu Kwarbai, the Media and Publicity Officer of the emirate, confirmed the news of his death, stating that his remains would be interred at an appropriate time.

It is noteworthy that his biological mother, who was the spouse of the late Emir Dr. Shehu Idris and the mother-in-law of the current Emir, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, passed away just 39 days prior.

… accuses saboteurs of frustration reforms

Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has urged President Bola Tinubu to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians by intervening in the escalating costs of food and energy.

He raised concerns about “fifth columnists” collaborating with saboteurs who are working to undermine the legacy the Tinubu administration aims to build for the nation.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, Ndume highlighted the staggering rise in fuel, food, and essential goods prices, which he says has made life increasingly unbearable for ordinary Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.

“Bad elements are trying hard to turn the people against President Tinubu’s administration by advocating for harsh reforms and ineffective policies, rather than focusing on controlling inflation and the exchange rate, which are making life difficult for Nigerians,” he stated.

He expressed dismay that those intent on tarnishing the President’s image would stop at nothing to inflict pain on the populace through “so-called reforms,” ultimately shifting the blame onto President Tinubu when the situation deteriorates.

Ndume advised the administration to consider the struggles of many families, who are struggling to meet daily needs due to hyperinflation caused by the continuous rise in the prices of essential goods and services.

“I believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu genuinely wants to improve Nigeria and the lives of its citizens. I know this because of what he stands for. However, some of his advisers may not have the best interests of the people at heart and are giving him misguided advice,” Ndume remarked.

“I urge him to resist these negative influences that seek to pit the people against his administration. The hardship inflicted by these advisers is becoming unbearable. I’m currently in Borno, and I can attest to the suffering, hunger, frustration, and anger among the people.”

He added, “In Borno State, many families can’t afford to eat. The relentless price increases have created unimaginable hardship. Farmers struggle to transport their products due to exorbitant transportation costs. Those who can still sell their goods raise prices to cover these expenses, making food unaffordable for many. Travel has become prohibitively expensive; for example, the cost of traveling by road from Abuja to Maiduguri is astronomical. How can our people afford this?”

Ndume continued, “I know that President Tinubu means well for Nigerians, and he should not allow a few misguided advisers to ruin this country. I implore him to take action before it’s too late. Testing the patience of Nigerians is unwise, and that is precisely what these bad advisers are doing.”

He concluded, “Upon the President’s return to Nigeria, I urge him to urgently address these pressing issues. The purchasing power of Nigerians is severely weakened, and they cannot afford the burdens imposed by those who wish to harm the state.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has extended his condolences to Malam Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), following the passing of his daughter, Fatima Kyari.

Fatima, aged 25, passed away on Friday. In his message, VP Shettima prayed for her peaceful repose and asked God to grant the family strength during this difficult time, acknowledging the painful loss of their daughter, who was in the prime of her life.

The Vice President was among the mourners who attended the funeral prayers held at the Annur Mosque in Abuja.

The Federal Government has officially granted petroleum marketers the authority to lift petrol directly from the Dangote refinery, circumventing the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

This significant development marks a pivotal shift in the nation’s petroleum distribution landscape, effectively ending NNPC’s monopoly as the sole off-taker of Dangote’s refined fuel.

In a statement released on Friday, the Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Naira-crude sale implementation committee, Wale Edun, provided insights into the decision, highlighting its implications for the industry.

The announcement comes in the wake of increasing speculation regarding NNPC’s changing role in the procurement of petroleum products.

During a review meeting held on October 10, the Implementation Committee, chaired by Edun, assessed the progress of the initiative aimed at facilitating crude oil and refined product sales in naira.

As a result of this new policy, petroleum marketers are expected to engage directly with the Dangote refinery for their fuel needs, a move that could lead to more competitive pricing and improved supply chain dynamics.

He said, “The committee is pleased to report a successful transition of operations in line with the directive issued by the Federal Executive Council. This directive has established a robust framework for local production and distribution of crude oil and refined products for local consumption in naira.

“With this mechanism now in full operation, along with the commencement of local production, we are well-positioned to transition to a fully deregulated market for all petroleum products.

“Moving forward, petroleum product marketers are now able to purchase PMS directly from local refineries without the intermediary role of NNPC. Marketers are encouraged to initiate direct purchases from refineries on mutually negotiated commercial terms, which will promote competition and improve market efficiency.”

Edun noted that the government remained confident that, in the long term, these measures will create better market conditions for the benefit of all Nigerians.