President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s daily consumption of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, reduced to about 30 million litres after subsidy removal.

Tinubu spoke on Friday during a meeting with a group of former lawmakers at the State House in Abuja.

He said although Nigerians are complaining about the current “petroleum crisis”, the country must achieve PMS security.

“Yes, we have fuel in the ground. But do we have the capacity to bring it up before we refine and distribute? Have we examined alternative sources of energy with all that the world has given to us?” he asked.

“When I resumed, I said the subsidy was gone. There was no subsidy in the budget handed over to me. I can’t be creative and look for magic lamp to create a budget. And ever since, we maintained that position.

“From several millions of litres (of petrol), now we are down to 30 something. We are now knowing the true consumption of how much we are taking.

“We are not here and we should not be here. And I know you are not one of them, the smugglers. Look at the prices across the countries — Cameroon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nije, Benin Republic to Ghana – check the prices.”

On July 18, 2023, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said petrol consumption fell to 46.38 million litres per day in June, from the average daily consumption of 65 million litres, largely due to the removal of subsidy.

‘SUBSIDY PREVENTED NIGERIA FROM INVESTING IN HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS’

Due to the subsidy cost, the president said Nigeria was unable to equip hospitals and build new classrooms.

“If we are spending this money on ourselves, I believe we will get better return, happiness, and development programme, even if we invest it in our infrastructure,” he said.

On May 29, President Bola Tinubu said the petrol subsidy regime is over.

Almost three months later, TheCable reported that Tinubu was considering a “temporary subsidy” on petrol as crude oil prices and foreign exchange rates soared.

However, Ajuri Ngelale, former presidential spokesperson, said there was no reintroduction of subsidy.

Also, on January 3, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited denied the return of petrol subsidy, saying it had been removed entirely.

However, on April 15, Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna state, said the federal government is spending more on petrol subsidy than before.

TheCable also reported on August 19 that Tinubu approved a request by NNPC to utilise the 2023 final dividends due to the federation to pay for the petrol subsidy — but NNPC denied the existence of petrol subsidy.

However, on the same day, the national oil company said the federal government owes it N7.8 trillion for petrol subsidy.

Naija News reports that the funds are intended to aid thousands of people whose lives were upended by the flood.

During his visit, Seyi emphasized his focus on supporting the youth, a demographic severely affected by the disaster.

Seyi stated that this initiative marks the beginning of long-term support for those in Borno.

When he was received at the state government house by the state Governor, Babagana Zulum, and other important dignitaries, Seyi addressed the people of Borno state and highlighted their resilience in the face of past insecurity that had affected the state.

He commended the remarkable strength and resilience shown by the people of Borno, acknowledging their ability to rise above numerous hardships and challenges faced in recent years. He expressed optimism that the state would recover and emerge stronger from the flood’s devastation.

He said, “We are here today, not just as representatives of our family but as members of a collective effort of young Nigerians to bring hope and relief to those who need it most. This is a moment for solidarity, compassion, and immediate action.

“Maiduguri and Borno State have rich histories. The people are resilient. Despite the issues of the past few years, they have braved all odds which is why such a painful national tragedy that befell the state deserves our collective effort, support and prayers. Even more, it deserves our active collaboration and contributions.

“When my dad, President Bola Tinubu, visited Maiduguri earlier this week, he spoke about the urgent need for the private sector and individuals alike to step up in support of the communities affected. Inspired by his call, my wife Layal, and I through the Noella Foundation, my brother Yinka, our friends, and numerous private sector partners have joined hands to respond swiftly to the needs of those displaced by this tragedy.”

The donation package contained a range of essential relief materials, including:

– Food Supplies: A variety of staple foods such as rice, maize, flour, loaves of bread, groundnut oil, spaghetti, tomato paste, salt, and other items crucial for daily sustenance.

– Medical Supplies: Seyi ensured the provision of critical medications for nearly 50,000 people, including anti-malarials, pain relievers, anti-diabetics, anti-hypertensives, antibiotics, and other necessary prescriptions.

– Household Items: To further ease the burden of the flood victims, the relief package included 10,000 mosquito nets, mattresses, blankets, buckets, mats, kettles, sanitary pads, wrappers, and other household essentials

Chidi Odinkalu, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), says the rest of the country will bear the consequences if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “messes” with the Edo governorship election.

In a post on his X handle on Saturday, Odinkalu said there is hardly anywhere one can go to in Nigeria without passing through Edo.

“If Mahmood Yakubu & @inecnigeria mess with #EdoDecides2024, all of #Nigeria will suffer it: there is hardly anywhere u can go to in Nigeria without passing through Edo,” he wrote.

On September 14, the ex-NHRC chair chastised Mahmood Yakubu, the INEC chair.

He was subsequently rebuked by Kamson Chidubem, convener of Civic Integrity Initiative (CII), for “biased criticisms and media abuses”.

On Friday, former President Goodluck Jonathan appealed to INEC and security agencies to remain neutral in the discharge of their responsibilities during the governorship election.

Jonathan said INEC and security agencies have a “moral burden” to act as “independent arbiters” during the poll.

Seventeen candidates are battling for the votes of 2.2 million electorates, in the race to succeed Godwin Obaseki, incumbent governor of Edo.

The founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has warned Christians to stop sharing fake testimonies in churches.

He asserted that those behind embellished testimonies are playing pranks with God.

The clergyman shared his reservation on his Facebook account on Thursday

He stressed that people who engage in the acts ‘are being used by the devil’.

This comes amid controversial miracle testimonies shared by church members of Lord’s Chosen Church in viral videos that have since ignited social media discussions.

Bamiloye wrote: “PLAYING PRANKS WITH GOD! If you stand on the Lord’s Altar to give fake testimonies deliberately, you are playing pranks with God! If you mount the Altar of God to deliberately tell lies that

“God has done what He knew nothing about, you are playing pranks with God!

“If you arranged a fake testimony to be said on the Lord’s altar just to pump up congregation, you are playing pranks with God! If the devil set you up to embarrass the church through all his reckless bloggers, you are playing pranks with God!”

The preacher also warned bloggers who are eager to condemn the body of Christ for money, reiterating that they are unaware that they are led by the devil.

He noted that God is supreme, emphasising that he can do all things as established in the Holy book.

“And you BLOGGERS looking for things to write against the Church of Christ, employed and paid by the devil to drag His Body in the mud and stripe the church naked in the market place for monetisation, come on, you are ignorant of the fact that you are being used by the devil.

“As for me, God is unlimited. There is nothing, absolutely nothing He can not do! He can do ALL THINGS! He brought water out of the rock. He walked upon the sea. He brought out a coin from the fish’s mouth. He turned water into wine and multiplied bread in the hands of disciples.

“The entire Bible is full of mind-blowing miracles! Luke 1:37 KJV For with God, nothing shall be impossible. But if the Devil has given you a gift and you come to the Lord’s Altar to give God the glory, You are playing pranks with God,” he added.

Olumide Akpata, candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the Edo state governorship election, has lost his polling unit to Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ighodalo polled 41 votes to defeat the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who garnered 32 votes at polling unit 11, Ward 06, Oredo LGA in Benin City, the capital of Edo.

Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), scored 19 votes.

Earlier, Akpata asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playground for all candidates in the race.

He expressed optimism that every voter in the state would cast their vote peacefully.

“I was given my ballot paper, went to the booth, thumb printed, and dropped it in the ballot box. Everything went well,” Akpata said.

“I hope this is the experience of every Edo voter. I will wait for feedback from all the wards and polling units.

“We are calling on INEC to ensure that the playing field remains levelled and that no candidate is given any undue advantage.

“All of our agents should be allowed into the collation centre. Nobody should be hindered or prevented from entering the collation centre, so that we can all witness the process and confirm it was carried out as prescribed by law—the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

“I’m calling on INEC. This is an off-cycle election, the only gubernatorial election taking place in the entire country, so they have no excuse. They have the luxury of deploying their resources to this state.

“They also have the latitude to ask security forces to focus on Edo state, so I would imagine that anyone given the tools and resources should be able to do a good job. All eyes are on them; the entire country is watching INEC.

“Regarding security, the massive deployment of security forces in Edo is a good sign for me.

“Now, it remains to be seen whether the deployment is for the people or to benefit certain individuals.

“I mentioned yesterday that I noticed two APC trucks parked outside the home of Senator Oshiomhole. That does not give me confidence.

“Two APC trucks—major equipment meant for the people—are outside his home. What are they doing in front of his home? That gives me cause for concern, but we are watching.”

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested a notorious gunrunner and seized 20 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles near Buruku Bridge in Igabi Local Government Area.

The Command’s PPRO, ASP Mansir Hassan, in a statement said the arrest occurred around 4:00 pm when officers from the Buruku Division were conducting routine patrol near Buruku Bridge.

“Upon stopping a black Golf III saloon vehicle, police conducted a thorough search and found the rifles hidden in the booth, along with an empty Type 06 magazine.

“The suspect, identified as Bitrus Gyang, hails from Barkin Ladi, Plateau State,” ASP Hassan stated.

The PPRO further explained that during questioning, Gyang admitted to his involvement in gunrunning and disclosed that he had previously transported fabricated rifles on at least three occasions.

“He is currently cooperating with the police as investigations continue to identify his accomplices. 

“Commissioner of Police Audu Ali Dabigi commended the officers for their diligence and commitment to duty.

“He assured the public that the police will continue to intensify efforts against kidnappers and bandits throughout the state, ensuring they face relentless pressure,” the PPRO added.

A 30-year-old man, Joseph Efe, who was arrested for stealing from a commercial sex worker, said he committed the crime to raise money for his sister who has sickle cell anemia.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, briefing journalists yesterday, said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday at the Top View Hotel in Abuja.

Efe, during his confession before newsmen, said he met the victim on a “hookup site” before inviting her to the said location. 

The suspect said he tied the victim to prevent her from getting help as he exited the hotel after stealing from her.

“I tied her so that she would not run after me as I fled. I told her to take off her clothes so that even if she is able to untie herself, before she puts on her clothes, I would be long gone,” Efe said.

He added that prior to his arrest he had stolen from four victims in Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja. 

Narrating her ordeal, the woman (name withheld) said she had been on the hookup site called “coded site”.

She said: “I met the suspect some months ago. I live in Enugu but visit Abuja for other business reasons.

“When I got to the hotel, the suspect asked me whether I feared death. 

“He said if I cooperate with him, he would not hurt me like other girls. He said his friend was outside, and if I made any wrong move, he would inject me with something.

“I pleaded with him. He slapped me and asked me to strip my clothes. I tried to get to the door but it was locked by him and he held the keys.”

She alleged that he used her dress to tie her hands, but when it was not tight enough, he took out a cellophane tape.

“He turned the television volume very high and blocked my mouth with a handkerchief,” she said.

She further said that he stole her phone, unlocked it with her thumb, asked for her bank app details then realised she had no money in the account.

“He warned me not to make noise, that he was stepping out, then locked me in the room. 

“I later noticed a movement outside the door and saw the colour of the uniform the person wore was that of the hotel staff.

“I struggled and dragged myself to the window then started banging it. Luckily, the guy heard me and I immediately gave him a sign to run after the person that just left the room. He did and he was caught.”

According to the NSCDC FCT Commandant it was in the process of the suspect trying to escape from the hotel premises that his movement became suspicious, and in the process of trying to stop him, he took to his heels before he was chased and caught by NSCDC operatives. 

Odumosu said that the video circulated on social media of the lady and the victim in the hotel room was not recorded by NSCDC operatives.

“Let it be made clear that the video in circulation on this incident was not shot by the operatives of the NSCDC, as we only became aware of its existence when it went viral on social media,” he said.

He added that after preliminary investigation, both suspect and victim would be handed over to the relevant agency for further necessary actions and investigation. 

“We are duty bound and empowered to do due diligence before taking necessary steps towards prosecuting or handing over a suspect as the case may be to any relevant sister agency,” he said.

The commandant warned hotel operators to be more vigilant and should do better in protecting their guests.

“Ensure your hotel facilities and premises are not used as a place to perpetuate crime. 

“Let me also caution all young ladies also known as ‘runs girls’ to desist from such acts that will endanger their lives but rather engage in legitimate businesses to earn a living,” he said.

In another development, he said that four alleged vandals were arrested in the territory for theft and vandalising public infrastructure.

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned that there are substandard and falsified antimalarials, antibiotics, antihypertensives, anti-diabetic agents and life style drugs in circulation.

The agency stated this during a community sensitization workshop for stakeholders on standard and falsified medicines in Nigeria, held in Kaduna yesterday.

Speaking during the workshop, Director North West Zone of the Agency, Bala Mshelia, said the workshop was meant to sensitise stakeholders on substandard and falsified medicines which have become a global problem presenting enormous public health challenges to National Medicines Regulatory Authorities. 

He said NAFDAC was maximising efforts to curb the menace in the state, noting that unpatriotic business men/women involved in the illegal manufacture, importation and distribution of substandard and falsified medicines target medicines with high volume of use for the treatment of diseases of public health interest.

He urged them to join in the fight to ensure that all drugs are safe for usage. “As we proceed with this workshop, let us remember that the fight against substandard and falsified medicines is not one that can be won in isolation.

“It requires collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and the public. Together, we can create a future where every medicine on the shelf is safe, genuine, and beneficial to the health of our communities,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Kaduna, Mr Sunday Ukoh, appreciated NAFDAC for the timely sensitization, adding that all stakeholders’ hands must be on deck to do the needful.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists, Abosede Garba, said the prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines is not just a challenge for healthcare professionals but a grave public health concern that affects the lives of millions. 

She said the counterfeit products jeopardise the health of patients, undermining the credibility of our healthcare system, and threaten the progress we have made in fighting diseases.

“It is with great honour that I stand before you today, representing the Association of Community Pharmacists, as we gather for this vital sensitization workshop organised by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“The theme of this workshop—addressing the menace of substandard and falsified medicines—could not be more timely or relevant, especially in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. 

“As frontline healthcare providers, we pharmacists bear a crucial responsibility in combating this challenge and ensuring that only safe, effective and high-quality medicines reach our communities. Community pharmacists, as trusted healthcare professionals, are uniquely positioned to be the first line of defence against counterfeit medicines.

“Our proximity to the community and our daily interactions with patients give us the opportunity to play a pivotal role in identifying, reporting and preventing the distribution of substandard products.”

She added that the workshop is a significant step towards empowering them with the knowledge and tools needed to further strengthen their role in the fight.

She commended NAFDAC for their unwavering commitment to protecting public health by tackling the issue of substandard and falsified medicines.

“Your efforts in regulating, educating and raising awareness are invaluable in safeguarding the well-being of our citizens. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you in this cause,” she said.

Nigeria’s local currency, the naira, is among the 10 worst-performing currencies in the world, Bloomberg is reporting.

According to a report by the publication, out of the 10 worst-performing currencies, five are from Africa, including the Zambian kwacha, the Angolan kwanza and the naira.

The drop in the performance of the African currencies was linked to economic challenges, unstable commodity prices, inflationary pressures, and a lack of dollar liquidity.

Also, Bloomberg said the poor performance is due to many African economies depending on oil exports, so they are vulnerable to declines in price.

Commenting on the data, Keonethebe Bosigo, portfolio manager at Mazi Asset Management, said oil prices are not the only issue, even though it is a major factor.

Bosigo said poor currency management and imbalances are “the real culprits”.

Speaking on the performance of the naira, the portfolio manager said oil prices are a factor, “but the real issue is that the naira wasn’t allowed to adjust, which led to its overvaluation and a subsequent loss of confidence in the currency”.

On his part, Irmgard Erasmus, an economist at Oxford Economics, said the naira continues to “face significant pressure despite reforms aimed at liberalising the current account”. 

“The naira remains undervalued relative to its long-term neutral value due to ongoing issues around liquidity and dollar supply,” Erasmus said. 

“Although Nigeria has made inroads toward current account liberalisation since the Tinubu victory in 2023, hard-currency supply challenges persist while tightening regulations on the banking sector and BDC operators contribute to risk aversion.”

The economist added that declining Brent crude prices have only exacerbated the problem, but improved dollar liquidity could help the naira recover over time.

“The government’s slow pace of reforms, combined with haphazard monetary policies, continues to keep the currency in undervalued territory,” he added.

‘NAIRA SHOULD BE TRADING AROUND N1,100/$’

Erasmus also said the naira should be trading closer to N1,100 per dollar in the absence of distortions, compared to Thursday’s close of N1,544/$. 

He, however, said without significant policy changes and improved dollar liquidity, the outlook for the naira remains fragile.

On June 14, 2023,  the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) officially unified the multiple FX rate systems, collapsing all FX windows into the investors’ and exporters’ (I&E) window.

The policy resulted in the depreciation of the local currency and caused significant levels of volatility in the FX market.

At the close of trading on Friday, data from FMDQ Securities, a platform that oversees official foreign exchange trading in Nigeria, showed that the naira traded at N1,541 per dollar.

The viral video of a suspected member of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry in Lagos has sparked outrage after the woman celebrated receiving divine assistance during a Federal Government examination and how she shared her answers with another candidate.

During the testimony, the unnamed member claimed an old man appeared to her in the examination hall and gave her answers to some questions.

The woman said the exercise was one of the promotional examinations of the military (Army, Navy, and Air Force) and that there were about 50 questions, of which 40 bordered on career and 10 related to current affairs.

“We all had written our career questions. It then came to these very 10 questions, which asked, ‘Mention 10 Francophone countries and their capitals.’

“Brethren, nobody knew this question. So, all I did was to raise the question paper and declare to it: ‘I am a Chosen! I am a chosen!! I am a chosen!!! This question, who are you? Where is the God of my pastor power?’

“Then, suddenly, an old man appeared by my right-hand side in white apparel. He told me, ‘My daughter, begin to write.’ And I began to write,” she recounted.

She claimed that some of the invigilators, who suspected something was amiss, pulled off her apron, which made “the angel” disappear.

The action, she added, made her angry.

“But when they returned the apron and I wore it back, the old man appeared again and began to tell the rest of the answers. I completed 10 good questions. I wrote them correctly and accurately. To me, it was like a dream.

“Brethren, when I finished writing my questions, a sister who sat by my side was a Mountain of Fire member because of the logo on her clothing. As I took up the answer sheet and was cross-checking my write-up, I signaled to the woman, saying, ‘Sister, do anything you can do humanly possible.

“Any moment from now, I am going to submit my questions.’ While I was cross-checking, the sister quietly copied. And immediately she finished, brethren, I stood up and submitted my questions. Everybody in the hall was looking at me. That was how only two of us out of 102 were able to do this,” she added.

The church then erupted in celebration as she ended her testimony.

The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, expressed shock that the church allowed the testimony, which he described as a fabrication.

He said God would not work supernatural miracles that way, adding that there were no shortcuts to academic success other than hard work and belief in God.

He noted that the Christian body would be meeting next Friday to address the controversies raised by the woman’s testimony and several other “unacceptable comments made by Pentecostal pastors on social media.”

“She is entitled to her opinion as she is the owner of her mouth. But for anyone to say such, we must verify that. We must see the people in the hall, and they must testify against her that that was never the situation.

“But looking at it ordinarily, that is a foolish talk, and nobody should accept that. There are testimonies you don’t allow to be given in the church. And that is why before people give their testimonies, you should invite them and know what they want to talk about.

“If it is something that is good for public consumption, you should allow it to go. But if you know that the story they are telling can only be told to monkeys, you should ask the person to go and face the monkeys and say that, not in the church. So, that type of testimony should be served to the monkeys and not to human beings,” the Lagos State CAN chairman declared.

When asked his thought on such miracles, he said, “God doesn’t act that way. I have a Ph.D. Which God of Chosen will appear to you and give you answers to your examination questions?

“The God of Chosen will give you strength to read your books and go for the exams. There is no shortcut to success in life other than hard work and belief in God.”

There have been other trending videos of members of the church sharing testimonies that social media users considered wild.

In one, a member of the church narrated how a lion miraculously saved him from kidnappers. In another video, another testifier recounted how bullets did not penetrate his head.

The CAN chairman insisted that the testimonies were all fallacies.

“Anybody that wants to prove such a thing should bring a gun to the church. Let the person stand and let us release the bullets. We will see whether the bullets will enter or not. They are all blatant lies from the pit of hell,” he declared.

“We will be meeting probably next Friday. It is going to be a CAN general meeting in Lagos, and we are going to address it. We will speak about the madness going on among Pentecostal pastors,” he added.

Reacting in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the Head of Public Relations and Media for the church, Pastor Chidi Louis, said the testimony videos were doctored to tarnish the image of the church because some of the incidents happened in the testifiers’ dreams.

He said the church allowed members to share their testimonies the way they wanted without gagging them because it believed that such narrations should not be censored.

“There is no need for us to begin to doubt someone’s testimony. If anybody comes and says he wants to give a testimony, we give that person the opportunity; we don’t guide people on what to say or how to say it. They are free to say it as they like,” Louis stated, adding that the church was unperturbed by social media trolls.