The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has reacted to the recent disclosure by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, that it purchased fuel at N898 per litre from the Dangote Refinery.

DAILY POST reports that the news has sparked widespread controversy and outrage as the hope of reduction in the pump price of fuel fades among Nigerians.

Now, there are fundamental questions about the cost of production, transparency, and the alleged continued exploitation of the Nigerian masses, CUPP said. 

“The high cost of fuel purchased from Dangote Refinery is unjustifiable, especially considering the absence of tariffs, landing costs, and port charges,” a statement signed by Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP’s National Secretary said.

“With crude oil supplied in local currency, the refinery’s production costs should be significantly lower. It is imperative that Dangote Refinery provides a detailed breakdown of its cost of production to justify the exorbitant price of N898 per litre.

“The lack of transparency and accountability in the pricing mechanism is alarming. The NNPCL’s revelation suggests a conspiracy to continue the exploitative price regime through the back door.

“This undermines the benefits of domestic refining and raises questions about the true advantages of local refining.

“Furthermore, the high cost of fuel per litre remains beyond the reach of the average consumer, defeating the purpose of having a refinery in the country. The cost of gasoline is higher than normal, perpetuating the exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians.

“The NNPCL’s disclosure highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and regulatory oversight by the National assembly in the energy sector.

“Dangote Refinery must provide a detailed breakdown of its cost of production, and the NNPCL must negotiate competitive prices.

“The government must allow the independent regulatory body to monitor pricing mechanisms and protect consumers from exploitation.

“Only then can Nigeria unlock the true potential of domestic refining and ensure affordable energy for its citizens.”

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has said divorcing her ex-husband, Olakunle Churchill, was the best decision she has ever made.

She stated this while sharing the advice she gave to a fellow single mother.

The single mother had privately reached out to her via her Instagram DM, questioning how she was able to cope when her ex left her and their son.

Replying to her, the actress corrected her that she was the one who left the marriage for her and her son’s sake and not the other way round.

Dikeh wrote: “First and foremost, I was the one who chose to walk away from my marriage, not the other way around. I needed to escape a difficult situation, not just for my own sake, but for my child as well. Best decision I ever made.”

She told the woman that she has the power to become the person she aspires to be as long as she commits to growth and invests in herself.

Sharing the message on her Instagram page, Dikeh wrote, “Dear single mothers, I don’t have a manual for these things. I am neither a pro in this movement.

“My biggest teacher has been love. I just let God do his thing, and his thing is enough for me. Draw strength from God, most especially keep your family matters private.”

DAILY POST recalls that Tonto Dikeh’s marriage to Churchill crashed in 2017 over allegations of infidelity and domestic violence.

The marriage produced a child, a boy.

Despite their divorce, the former couple still drag themselves on social media, with Tonto accusing him of being a deadbeat father.

In his defence, Churchill claimed it was the actress who denied him access to their son.

Nollywood star, Adunni Ade has expressed her admiration for her colleague, Ramsey Nouah.

Featuring in a recent episode of Hip TV programme Trending, hosted by reality star KimOprah, Ade revealed that she has always admired the veteran actor.

She disclosed that he was behind her decision to abandon her career as a model in America and relocate to Nigeria.

She said, “He [Ramsey Nouah] was the one who gave me confirmation to move to Nigeria. I met him before I came to Nigeria and I told him what my goals and aspirations were. And he gave me a very good pep talk and I moved down.

“Imagine from 2011 never getting to work with him. And this is someone you’ve always admired. Then during a film festival, I saw him and I went to exchange pleasantries as usual.

“The next day, I got a call from the producer Chris, his very good friend, and he said, ‘Adunni, what did you give Ramsey to eat? Ramsey just cast you.’

“I had goosebumps. I was so happy to work with him on set. He is so different when he is working. I’ve been featured in another project with him. I cannot disclose that right now. I have seen him as Ramsey Nouah the human being, Ramsey Nouah the director, and Ramsey Nouah the co-actor. He is just a phenomenal human being.”

Adunni Ade moved to Nigeria in 2011.

She landed her first Nollywood role when she acted in the Yoruba language film ‘You or I’ in 2013.

She has featured in over 250 Nollywood movies in both English and Yoruba languages.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said it will not yield to the call of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to redeploy the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Anugbum Onuoha.

DAILY POST recalls that Onuoha has been a subject of controversy over his relationship with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Wike have not been in good terms after Wike supported his second term bid when he defected to the PDP. 

The governor and the national leadership of the PDP have expressed fears that Onuoha would influence the election to favour the All Progressives Congress, APC.

The PDP chairman in Edo State, Anthony Aziegbemhin, had submitted a formal protest letter to INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, demanding Onuoha’s immediate redeployment.

The letter read in part, “The ties between these two are too close to ignore as they share familiarities and are also close associates.

“The said Edo REC is a cousin to the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Wike. He also served as a former Commissioner and Special Adviser for Lands, Survey, and Housing to Mr Wike during his tenure as Rivers governor.”

Responding, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, emphatically said that the REC would not be redeployed, urging the PDP to focus on the process of the election rather than Onuoha.

“The REC for Edo State will not be redeployed. The governorship election will be conducted on September 21, 2024 in 4,519 polling units, not in the REC’s office.

“In the same manner, polling unit results will be declared by the respective Presiding Officers after the voting, ballot sorting and counting processes, in the presence of accredited party agents and other stakeholders.”

The Edo State government has accused former governor, Adams Oshiomhole, of planning to rig the forthcoming governorship election in polling units around his hometown in Iyamho.

The Edo Polls will be taking place on September 21.

However, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, while speaking during a press conference in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Sunday, claimed that Oshiomhole was colluding with the Commander of Mopol and his men to sabotage the election in his hometown.

Nehikhare claimed that the same scenario played out in the last election in 2020.

The Commissioner said, “We are aware of plans that have already been concluded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole to engage the Commander of Mopol 60 and his men who have been engaged to provide shield in the polling units around Senator Oshiomhole’s home in Iyamho in order to allow the Senator and his supporters take the ballot papers and all election materials into his premises and thumbprint all the ballot papers for APC, leaving other parties with no chances of getting fair votes. In the last elections, we gave this information but it was ignored. The BVAS report validated our report as 210 people were accredited but over 1000 votes were recorded.”

Nehikhare alleged that the state government had uncovered massive production of masks and police uniforms by APC agents to veil their thugs to disrupt voting processes in units and wards where they knew they stood no chance of victory.

“Only recently, a chieftain of the APC wore one of those uniforms and the police even presented a defence for such wanton display of impersonation.

“Having confirmed that they cannot win in Okpella, Lampese, Fugar, Ibillo and Agenebode, the APC has concluded plans to use thugs veiled in those masks and police uniforms which they produced to disrupt electoral process and intimidate voters in those areas.

“In Egor Local Government Area, the APC has gathered thugs in the home of a prominent APC leader as well as other houses in the neighborhood under the shield of the Textile Mill Police Station in order to disrupt the voting process in Egor Local Government Area.

“We also uncovered plans by the House of Representatives member representing Ovia Constituency who has engaged about 200 militants for the purpose of disrupting election materials and electoral officials in the riverine axis of the State beginning from Ologbo, Nikorogha, all the way to Siluko. We also understand that these militants have already been ferried into the state and lodged into various hotels. We are giving this information for the security agencies to act swiftly to arrest or dislodge these thugs and plans,” Nehikare added.

Telecom companies have begun to cut off around 66 million phone connections nationwide to enforce the directive from the federal government regarding the connection of the National Identification Number (NIN) to the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).

Naija News reports that this step was taken following numerous extensions and cautions Nigerians to adhere to the policy aimed at enhancing national security and simplifying the identification process.

It’s important to note that as of March 2024, 153 million out of 219 million active mobile lines on networks such as MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile were already linked to the NIN, as reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This leaves approximately 66 million lines at risk of being disconnected.

Due to the issue of unverified NINs, there were brief interruptions in service across the country between July 28 and 29, causing widespread disruptions.

Financial records from the first half of 2024 indicate that MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa blocked 13.5 million lines for failing to comply with the NIN-SIM connection rule.

MTN reported blocking 8.6 million lines, while Airtel claimed that 8.7 million of its customers had successfully verified their NINs.

Telecom companies, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, have advised subscribers at risk of losing their service to connect their NIN to prevent permanent disconnection.

Subscribers whose services have been suspended still can reactivate them by visiting any of the telecom providers’ service centers or NIMC offices to finish the verification process.

The NCC issued the directive in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) requires all mobile phone users in Nigeria to link their SIM cards to their unique NIN.

This policy, introduced in 2020, was a part of the government’s strategy to reduce insecurity, fraud, and criminal activities enabled by unregistered or improperly registered phone lines.

After several postponements of the deadlines by the NCC since December 2023, the NCC announced in August that it anticipated that no SIM cards would be operational without a confirmed National Identification Number (NIN) by September 15.

A representative from the NCC confirmed the deactivation of lines, explaining that lines not in compliance would be prevented from making calls, sending text messages, or utilizing mobile data until they successfully complete the connection procedure.

“We will disconnect anyone who refuses to comply; the grace period is over. The reason why we extended the last time was the misconception of Nigerians who claimed that the NCC wanted to frustrate the August 1 protest,” the NCC representative told Leadership.

He defended the NIN-SIM linkage as crucial to national security, adding that the policy is intended to create a central database that can be used to track criminal activity, verify identity, and enhance digital financial inclusion.

“Unregistered and unlinked SIMs have been identified as tools frequently used in the perpetration of criminal activities such as kidnapping, terrorism, and financial fraud. The NIN-SIM linkage is an essential step in safeguarding the nation and ensuring the integrity of our telecom infrastructure,” he added.

Naija News reports that despite facing backlash, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has stood firm in its dedication to the policy, stating that those who do not follow it could potentially lose access to essential mobile services.

Recently, the president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, following visits to various telecommunications centers, expressed his dissatisfaction with the NIN-SIM registration process, describing it as terrible.

Ogungbanjo, therefore, pleaded for the NCC to consider pushing back the deadline due to the technological issues encountered during the registration process last week.

“I believe they should consider extending it for a week, and the NCC should be commended for these delays,” he remarked.

The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has corrected a mistake made on the nationwide petrol price statement it released earlier on Monday.

Early Monday morning, NNPCL gave a chart breakdown of the refined petrol product it bought from Dangote Refinery.

“The NNPC Ltd. has released estimated prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as Petrol (obtained from the Dangote Refinery) in its retail stations across the country.

“The estimated prices are based on negotiated terms between NNPC Ltd. and Dangote Refinery which recognise the current international gasoline prices and the prevailing foreign exchange rate in line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

“The NNPC Ltd. can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024.

“We reassure Nigerians that any discount from the Dangote Refinery will be passed on 100% to the general public,” it read.

While in the first press statement on Monday had a Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) fee of ₦8.99, the second statement showed ₦4.495.

The first statement had an inspection fee of ₦0.97, a margin fee of ₦26.48 and a distribution fee of ₦15.

In the second statement on Monday, there were no inspection fee and marging fee, while the distribution fee was changed to ₦42.45.

The second statement also had an additional Midstream and Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) of ₦4.495.

Chart of second statement

Chart of first statement

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, held on Sunday in Los Angeles, celebrated the best of television, with several standout performances and shows making history.

The Television Academy took to social media on Monday, congratulating the winners and encouraging fans to watch the ceremony via streaming on Hulu.

FX’s “Shogun” stole the spotlight with a record-breaking haul of 18 Emmys, sweeping categories like Best Drama, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

HBO’s “Hacks” also surprised viewers by winning Best Comedy Series, while Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” claimed the prestigious Best Limited Series award.

Hosted by Eugene and Dan Levy, the ceremony took place at L.A.’s Peacock Theater and was broadcast live on ABC.

Adding to the night’s festivities, the Governor’s Award was presented to producer Greg Berlanti, with Matt Bomer and Joshua Jackson leading the tribute.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the key winners from the night:

Best Drama Series

The Crown (Netflix)
Fallout (Prime Video)
The Gilded Age (HBO)
The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
Shogun (FX) (WINNER)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
3 Body Problem (Netflix)

Best Actress in a Drama Series

Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age, HBO/Max)
Maya Erskine (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Anna Sawai (Shogun, FX) (WINNER)
Imelda Staunton (The Crown, Netflix)
Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Idris Elba (Hijack, Apple TV+)
Donald Glover (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Walton Goggins (Fallout, Prime Video)
Gary Oldman (Slow Horses, Apple TV+)
Hiroyuki Sanada (Shogun, FX) (WINNER)
Dominic West (The Crown, Netflix)

Best Drama Series

The Crown (Netflix)
Fallout (Prime Video)
The Gilded Age (HBO)
The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Prime Video)
Shogun (FX) (WINNER)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
3 Body Problem (Netflix)

Best Actress in a Drama Series

Jennifer Aniston (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age, HBO/Max)
Maya Erskine (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Anna Sawai (Shogun, FX) (WINNER)
Imelda Staunton (The Crown, Netflix)
Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)

Best Actor in a Drama Series

Idris Elba (Hijack, Apple TV+)
Donald Glover (Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Walton Goggins (Fallout, Prime Video)
Gary Oldman (Slow Horses, Apple TV+)
Hiroyuki Sanada (Shogun, FX) (WINNER)
Dominic West (The Crown, Netflix)

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Christine Baranski (The Gilded Age, HBO/Max)
Nicole Beharie (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Elizabeth Debicki (The Crown, Netflix) (WINNER)
Greta Lee (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Lesley Manville (The Crown, Netflix)
Karen Pittman (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Holland Taylor (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Tadanobu Asano (Shogun, FX)
Billy Crudup (The Morning Show, Apple TV+) (WINNER)
Mark Duplass (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Jon Hamm (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Takehiro Hira (Shogun, FX)
Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Apple TV+)
Jonathan Pryce (The Crown, Netflix)

Best Comedy Series

Abbott Elementary (ABC)
The Bear (FX)
Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO/Max)
Hacks (HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
Palm Royale (Apple TV+)
Reservation Dogs (FX)
What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

Best Actor in a Comedy Series

Matt Berry (What We Do in the Shadows, FX)
Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm, HBO/Max)
Steve Martin (Only Murders in the Building, Hulu)
Martin Short (Only Murders in the Building, Hulu)
Jeremy Allen White (The Bear, FX) (WINNER)
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (Reservation Dogs, FX)

Best Actress in a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Ayo Edebiri (The Bear, FX)
Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building, Hulu)
Maya Rudolph (Loot, Apple TV+)
Jean Smart (Hacks, HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Kristen Wiig (Palm Royale, Apple TV+)

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Lionel Boyce (The Bear, FX)
Paul W. Downs (Hacks, HBO/Max)
Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear, FX) (WINNER)
Paul Rudd (Only Murders in the Building, Hulu)
Tyler James Williams (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live, NBC)

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Carol Burnett (Palm Royale, Apple TV+)
Liza Colón-Zayas (The Bear, FX) (WINNER)
Hannah Einbinder (Hacks, HBO/Max)
Janelle James (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Meryl Streep (Only Murders in the Building, Hulu)

Best Limited or Anthology Series

Baby Reindeer (Netflix) (WINNER)
Fargo (FX)
Lessons in Chemistry (Apple TV+)
Ripley (Netflix)
True Detective: Night Country (HBO/Max)

Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Matt Bomer (Fellow Travelers, Showtime)
Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer, Netflix) (WINNER)
Jon Hamm (Fargo, FX)
Tom Hollander (Feud: Capote vs. the Swans, FX)
Andrew Scott (Ripley, Netflix)

Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Jodie Foster (True Detective: Night Country, HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Brie Larson (Lessons in Chemistry, Apple TV+)
Juno Temple (Fargo, FX)
Sofía Vergara (Griselda, Netflix)
Naomi Watts (Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, FX)

Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Jonathan Bailey (Fellow Travelers, Showtime)
Robert Downey Jr. (The Sympathizer, HBO/Max)
Tom Goodman-Hill (Baby Reindeer, Netflix)
John Hawkes (True Detective: Night Country, HBO/Max)
Lamorne Morris (Fargo, FX) (WINNER)
Lewis Pullman (Lessons in Chemistry, Apple TV+)
Treat Williams (Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, FX)

Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Dakota Fanning (Ripley, Netflix)
Lily Gladstone (Under the Bridge, Hulu)
Jessica Gunning (Baby Reindeer, Netflix) (WINNER)
Aja Naomi King (Lessons in Chemistry, Apple TV+)
Diane Lane (Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, FX)
Nava Mau (Baby Reindeer, Netflix)
Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country, HBO/Max)

Best Directing for a Drama Series

Stephen Daldry (The Crown, Netflix)
Mimi Leder (The Morning Show, Apple TV+)
Hiro Murai (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Frederick E.O. Toye (Shogun, FX) (WINNER)
Saul Metzstein (Slow Horses, Apple TV+)
Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, HBO/Max)

Best Directing for a Limited Series or Anthology Series or Movie

Weronika Tofilska (Baby Reindeer, Netflix)
Noah Hawley (Fargo, FX)
Gus Van Sant (Feud: Capote vs. the Swans, FX)
Millicent Shelton (Lessons in Chemistry, Apple TV+)
Steven Zaillian (Ripley, Netflix) (WINNER)
Issa López (True Detective: Night Country, HBO/Max)

Best Directing for a Comedy Series

Randall Einhorn (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Christopher Storer (The Bear, FX) (WINNER)
Ramy Youssef (The Bear, FX)
Guy Ritchie (The Gentlemen, Netflix)
Lucia Aniello (Hacks, HBO/Max)
Mary Lou Belli (The Ms. Pat Show, BET)

Best Writing for a Drama Series

Peter Morgan, Meriel Sheibani-Clare (The Crown, Netflix)
Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Graham Wagner (Fallout, Prime Video)
Francesca Sloane, Donald Glover (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Prime Video)
Rachel Kondo, Justin Marks (Shogun, FX)
Rachel Kondo, Caillin Puente (Shogun, FX)
Will Smith (Slow Horses, Apple TV+) (WINNER)

Best Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

Richard Gadd (Baby Reindeer, Netflix) (WINNER)
Charlie Brooker (Black Mirror, Netflix)
Noah Hawley (Fargo, FX)
Ron Nyswaner (Fellow Travelers, Showtime)
Steven Zaillian (Ripley, Netflix)
Issa López (True Detective: Night Country, HBO/Max)

Best Writing for a Comedy Series

Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary, ABC)
Christopher Storer (The Bear, FX)
Meredith Scardino, Sam Means (Girls5eva, Netflix)
Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky (Hacks, HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Chris Kelly, Sarah Schneider (The Other Two, HBO/Max)
Jake Bender, Zach Dunn (What We Do in the Shadows, FX)

Best Writing for a Variety Special

Alex Edelman: Just for Us (HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Jacqueline Novak: Get On Your Knees (Netflix)
John Early: Now More Than Ever (HBO/Max)
Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man and the Pool (Netflix)
The Oscars (ABC)

Best Talk Series

The Daily Show (Comedy Central) (WINNER)
Jimmy Kimmel Live! (ABC)
Late Night With Seth Meyers (NBC)
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (CBS)

Best Reality-Competition Program

The Amazing Race (CBS)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
Top Chef (Bravo)
The Traitors (Peacock) (WINNER)
The Voice (NBC)

Best Scripted Variety Series

Last Week Tonight With John Oliver (HBO/Max) (WINNER)
Saturday Night Live (NBC)

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan-Kukah, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu never signed a peace accord when he was a presidential candidate.

The clergyman stated this in Benin City, during the Edo Election Security Townhall.

He warned that the failure of political parties and their candidates to sign the Peace Accord to shun electoral violence sends a wrong signal to Nigerians.

Naija News reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) refused to sign the peace pact over some allegations levelled against the police.

Kukah, one of the conveners of the National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, said the group can’t force any candidate to sign the peace pact which has become an electoral ritual in the last decade.

He said, “The National Peace Committee, what we do is not in the Electoral Act, it’s not law; it’s moral. You can’t compel people to fall in love or love their neighbour.

“If you go back to the 2019 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar the presidential candidate for the PDP, was not there to sign the Peace Accord. And of course, the opposition went to town, which is what it ought to be, and the next day, he (Atiku) turned up to sign.

“What is also very interesting is that the current president, when he was a presidential candidate, did not sign; it wasn’t our fault that the political opposition didn’t take advantage of it.

“It’s a pity but we are not going to take anybody to court for not signing the Peace Accord. The only thing it does to you as a candidate is that it sends a wrong signal which can be very easily exploited by the opposition.”

In a landmark development that promises to transform Nigeria’s energy sector, the Dangote Refinery has commenced the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

This initiative, spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, represents a significant step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imported refined products.

It also underscores the federal government’s commitment to easing pressure on the Naira and increasing the availability of petroleum products within the domestic market.

During the unveiling event at the Dangote Refinery, Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, lauded President Tinubu’s visionary leadership.

Edun highlighted that the initiative aligns with Tinubu’s vision of ensuring that no raw materials leave Nigeria without adding value domestically.

The Minister also praised Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Group for realizing this vision through the establishment of the refinery.

He commended the technical sub-committee, chaired by Federal Inland Revenue Service Executive Chairman Zacch Adedeji, for its role in implementing the Naira-based crude sales to local refineries.

Edun, accompanied by Adedeji and other members of the Technical Subcommittee, toured the refinery’s advanced facilities.

The tour showcased the refinery’s capacity to add local value and reduce reliance on imported refined products.

Edun expressed admiration for the refinery’s technological advancements and its potential to meet Nigeria’s domestic fuel needs efficiently.

According to a statement released by Mohammed Manga Director, Information and Public Relations, the Minister witnessed the loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery, marking a milestone in the domestic supply of refined petroleum products.

Although the official Naira-based sale of crude oil is set to commence on October 1st, this event symbolizes a major step forward.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), under President Tinubu’s leadership, has approved the supply of crude oil to domestic refineries, including Dangote’s, with payments to be made in Naira.

“From October 1st, NNPCL will supply approximately 385,000 barrels per day of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery, payable in Naira,” Edun announced.

The Minister urged other domestic refiners to join this initiative, not only to meet national needs but also to facilitate legal exports to neighboring countries, enhancing foreign exchange revenue and supporting economic growth.

With the commencement of PMS supply in Naira, Nigeria is poised to make substantial strides towards its energy goals.