
FEATURES
As the severe petrol shortage in Nigeria extends into its sixth week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has once again attributed the situation to “distribution challenges.”
This is the third major fuel scarcity episode in 2024, beginning in early July. Initially, the NNPCL explained the shortage as a result of logistics issues involving the transfer of petrol from mother vessels to daughter vessels.
The company cited the disruption of ship-to-ship (STS) transfers due to recent thunderstorms and adverse weather conditions.
These conditions, according to NNPCL, affected berthing at jetties, truck load-outs, and the transportation of petrol to filling stations, disrupting the supply chain.
In a previous statement, the NNPCL highlighted the flammability of petroleum products and compliance with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) regulations, which made it impossible to load petrol during rainstorms and lightning.
However, as the fuel scarcity continues without any sign of resolution, the NNPCL released another statement on Sunday expressing regret over the ongoing crisis.
The company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, acknowledged the “tightness in fuel supply” in parts of Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and attributed it to distribution challenges.
He urged motorists to avoid panic buying, assuring that the company is working around the clock with relevant stakeholders to restore normalcy.
Soneye said: “The NNPC Ltd regrets the tightness in fuel supply witnessed in some parts of Lagos and the FCT, which is as a result of distribution challenges.
“The Company further urges motorists to shun panic buying as it is working round the clock with relevant stakeholders to restore normalcy.”
Independent marketers have reportedly raised pump prices to ₦950 per liter, up from ₦720 per liter before the shortage began.
The departure of numerous multinational corporations from the country due to the challenging operating environment has raised concerns about the potential exacerbation of youth unemployment, HENRY FALAIYE writes
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, boasts a youthful demographic, with nearly 70 per cent of its population under the age of 30. This demographic advantage is often seen as a potential driver of economic expansion. Yet, the actual circumstances reveal a more complex and challenging reality.
In recent years, Nigeria’s economic indicators have suggested a cautiously optimistic outlook, with data indicating a drop in the unemployment rate and fuelling discussions of economic progress.
However, a deeper investigation uncovers a troubling contradiction: a significant portion of Nigerian youths remain unemployed, and lack requisite skills.
This phenomenon, despite the reported fall in joblessness, is a cause for deep concern, signalling a crisis that could have long-lasting effects on the country’s socio-economic fabric.
Despite recent reports indicating a decline in the country’s unemployment rate from 33.3 per cent in 2021 to 32.5 per cent in 2023, the number of young people who are neither working, studying, nor undergoing training has continued to rise.
The Manufacturing Association of Nigeria reported that 767 manufacturing companies shut down and 335 experienced distress in 2023 due to various economic difficulties, including rising inflation, exchange rate volatility, and a worsening investment climate.
According to an economist and former Director of Research and Advocacy at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria, Dr Vincent Nwani, the exodus of multinationals from the Nigerian economy has cost the country a N94tn loss of output in five years.
Nwani said, “If things continue this way and I don’t see anything being done to cause insecurity to stop, illegal taxation, corruption, and uncertainty of foreign exchange rendering companies unable to hedge risk, then I see at least 10 more notable names (of multinationals) that will go. We already have five by the end of May.”
Meanwhile, the youth unemployment dilemma stems from several underlying issues. Firstly, a decreasing unemployment rate does not equate to a surge in job opportunities. Instead, it often signals a drop in the number of individuals actively seeking employment, either because of discouragement or a move into informal, underpaid work that is not captured by official statistics.
The underemployment rate, which measures people working less than 40 hours a week or in jobs below their skill level, has remained high, indicating that many youths are stuck in unstable employment that offers little security or prospects for advancement.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics’ ‘Nigeria Labour Force Survey Q2 2023’, in Q2 2023, Nigeria’s labour force participation rate among the working-age population was 80.4 per cent, with an employment-to-population ratio of 77.1 per cent.
It mentioned that the combined rate of unemployment and time-related underemployment stood at 15.5 per cent, while the unemployment rate was 4.2 per cent, a slight increase from 4.1 per cent in Q1 2023. Self-employment remained dominant, with 88.0 per cent of workers engaged in it, and only 12 per cent were in wage employment.
One of the primary causes is the mismatch between the education system and the labour market. Many Nigerian youths graduate from secondary schools and universities with qualifications that do not align with the demands of the modern economy.
Also, the curriculum in many institutions is outdated, focusing on theoretical knowledge rather than practical skills that are in high demand. As a result, graduates often find themselves ill-equipped for available jobs, leading to frustration and a sense of hopelessness.
Moreover, the high cost of education in Nigeria is a significant barrier for many young people. The rising cost of tuition, coupled with the economic hardships faced by many families, means that many youths are unable to afford higher education or vocational training.
The unemployment crisis is worsened by the lack of job opportunities for young people. Although Nigeria’s economy, is heavily reliant on the oil sector, it offers limited employment.
Other sectors like agriculture and manufacturing are underdeveloped, and the private sector struggles with poor infrastructure and limited credit access. As a result, many young people are left with few viable options for meaningful employment.
The lack of purpose and direction can lead to increased involvement in criminal activities, including drug abuse, armed robbery, and internet fraud, which are already prevalent in some parts of the country.
Moreover, the disillusionment and frustration among these youths can fuel political instability and violence, as they become easy targets for radicalisation and recruitment by extremist groups.
The phenomenon in Nigeria is also gendered, with young women disproportionately affected. Cultural norms and gender biases often limit the opportunities available to girls and women, particularly in rural areas.
Also, many young women are forced into early marriages or domestic responsibilities, which curtail their access to education and employment.
Experts have warned that the consequences of the growing NEET (not in education, employment, or training) population are dire. Youths who are not engaged in productive activities are more likely to experience poverty, social exclusion, and mental health issues.
Speaking with The PUNCH, a human resources consultant, Mr Tolu Adedayo, said, “As the former President Buhari Muhammadu stated, Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder. We have a high level of unemployed youth coupled with a high inflation rate, especially food inflation. It is a big problem and we have not seen a definite plan from the government to roll out an employability plan so that these youths can be absorbed and given meaningful employment.”
He stated that one of the cushioning effects would be the entertainment industry, which has engaged thousands of youths to keep them busy and that religious organisations were also providing a cushioning effect to reduce the spate of restiveness.
According to Adedayo, these are not solving the unemployment challenge, they are just cushioning their restiveness.
He explained that the macroeconomic factor regarding the number of youths is a major concern. “It is a red flag that, if not addressed, could lead to more serious consequences such as a high crime rate, fraud, and insecurity, among other things,” he stated.
He noted that though the Federal Government was trying to provide palliatives, they would not go a long way because they were just a temporary measure.
“Unfortunately, the palliatives are not even going around and even if they get to the right people, how long will they last? Which is not realistic, sustainable and effective considering the long-term effect.
“The government should just declare a state of emergency when it comes to unemployment so that all hands will be on deck. Many of our youths are quite enterprising, so the government can start supporting them with soft loans and grants to engage them and enable them to start something,” he posited.
He added that the government should roll out a comprehensive employment plan or train them with skills acquisition, which are in demand right now, like technical skills and vocational skills. A lot of graduates who have a basic foundation will require some of this training to upskill and be able to get employed and generate income.
“Many of the training and courses received from schools are no longer relevant to what the job market demands right now. At the same time, the government must rejig and review our curriculum across the board, starting from primary schools to tertiary institutions and make it contemporary to meet global best practices because Nigeria is far behind looking at the community of nations,” Adedayo remarked.
Experts have also suggested that youths could be deployed to areas like sports, agriculture, and manufacturing, where the country has strengths to make them productive and contribute to the economy.
The rising number of Nigerian youths who are not in employment, education, or training is a ticking time bomb that requires urgent and comprehensive action. Addressing this crisis will require a multi-pronged approach that involves government, the private sector, civil society, and international partners.
First and foremost, there is a need to reform the education system to make it more relevant to the needs of the labour market. This includes updating curricula, promoting vocational and technical education, and fostering stronger links between educational institutions and industries. By equipping young people with the skills required in the modern economy, they will be better prepared to secure decent jobs and contribute meaningfully to society.
Furthermore, the government must prioritise job creation, particularly in sectors that have the potential to absorb large numbers of workers, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and information technology. This will require investment in infrastructure, improving the ease of doing business, and providing incentives for private sector growth.
Additionally, expanding access to education and training for all youths, regardless of their socio-economic background, is crucial. This can be achieved through policies that reduce the cost of education, provide financial aid, and create more opportunities for vocational training and apprenticeships.
More so, it is essential to address the gender disparities that contribute to the NEET crisis. Empowering young women through education, skills development, and access to economic opportunities will not only reduce the NEET rate but also drive broader societal progress.
Also, HR Analyst Victor Oyesina, said, “Nigeria must urgently address youth unemployment by revamping its education system to focus on practical skills that match market demands. The government should aggressively promote entrepreneurship by providing easier access to funding, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and fostering innovation hubs across the country.”
According to Oyesina, massive investment in digital infrastructure and technology-driven industries is essential to creating sustainable, high-impact jobs.
Meanwhile, he explained that establishing strong partnerships between the government, private sector, and international organisations could help scale up efforts and ensure the long-term success of those initiatives, providing a clear pathway to economic stability for the nation’s youth.
He asserted that tackling corruption and creating a business-friendly environment would attract significant investment, driving large-scale job creation for the youth.
“Tackling youth unemployment in Nigeria also demands implementing extensive public works and infrastructure projects that can quickly employ a large number of young people,” he added.
However, Oyesina mentioned that the rising youth population in Nigeria, despite a falling unemployment rate, is a clear indication that the country’s youth were being left behind in the march toward economic development.
“If left unaddressed, this crisis could have severe consequences for Nigeria’s future, threatening social cohesion, economic growth, and political stability.
“All stakeholders must come together to tackle this issue head-on, ensuring that every young Nigerian has the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their country,” he emphasised.
Adedeji Adeleke, father of Afrobeats star Davido, has made a whopping contribution of N1 billion to the Centenary Endowment Fund of a Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church in Lagos.
The announcement was made during a thanksgiving service on Sunday at the church’s headquarters in Lagos, held in memory of his late mother, Esther Adeleke.
Adeleke expressed that the donation was made in honor of his mother, the late Mrs. Esther Adeleke, who was a revered figure in the C&S Church.
“On behalf of our late mother, senior mother in Israel, late Mrs. Esther Adeleke, we want to contribute to the centenary endowment fund, the sum of N1 billion,” he stated.
Esther Adeleke, originally from Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, was the founder of a C&S Church in Ede, Osun State. She held the esteemed title of Senior Mother-in-Israel within the church, a role now carried on by her daughter, Modupe Adeleke-Sanni.
This generous donation underscores the Adeleke family’s deep ties to the church and their continued commitment to preserving Esther Adeleke’s legacy.
Pastor Abel Damina has described as false the popular Christian slogan of ‘What God cannot do doesn’t exist’.
This is just as he said that he is not jealous of Pastor Jerry Eze, who is famous for having come up with the slogan.
He said this in a teaser for the upcoming episode of the Honest Bunch Podcast.
“What God cannot do does not exist is not the truth. People think that I am jealous of Jerry Eze. It is not about sentiments, it is about knowing what the truth is.
“I believe in miracles, I believe in healing, but not this ‘arrangee’ that we are seeing today. Most of those crutches are the same.
Damina also touched on the topic of tithes, noting, “Why are you asking for tithes? If you read the book of acts, nobody paid tithes to anybody, Jesus didn’t pay tithes, Jesus didn’t receive tithes.”
A former governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke has said that a lot of quacks are involved in politics in Nigeria.
He lamented that Nigeria is suffering because of the calibre of politicians in the country.
Duke stated this in Abuja, on Saturday, on the sidelines of the 2024 teens career conference titled ‘The power of music’
The conference was organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), The Everlasting Arm Parish, Garki.
The former governor urged the political class to make concerted efforts to restore the hope and pride of youths in the country.
He stated that majority of Nigerian youths are not looking within the country for a better future as they have turned their attention to other climes.
Duke stressed the need to eliminate quacks who saw politics as a means of livelihood rather than a means of service.
According to him, “Hope is an eternal, effervescent power to create hope in the young ones that their tomorrow will be better than today, just as their today ought to have been better than yesterday.
“Politics could be the most elevating vocation, but a lot of quacks are involved in it right now, so they have brought it down to the lowest level.
“When politics is right, it elevates everything; it elevates medicine; it elevates your livelihood; when we complain about the country not being good, it is the politician.
“So, if you have the right politicians, we will have the right country; so, it is the most noble of vocations, but unfortunately full of quacks.”
He said the high inflation rate in the country is due to the cost of energy and tasked the political class with addressing the energy crisis by converting gas flaring to support the economy.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has revealed why she fell in love with her husband, singer Adekunle Gold.
The mother of one revealed that she fell in love with her husband because of his graphic designing and photoshopping skills.
She disclosed this while hailing Gold after he successfully edited a water bottle out of Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya’s photo on X on Saturday after the chess master asked for the favour.
Reposting Gold’s edited version of the chess master’s photo, Simi wrote, “This was why I fell for you. I don’t know who sent you to start singing.”
DAILY POST recalls that Adekunle Gold was a sensational photoshopper before he got signed to Olamide’s record label, YBNL Nation, after designing the label’s logo.
Gold got married to fellow singer Simi on January 9, 2019, in Lagos. The couple welcomed their first child, Adejare, in 2020.
I didn’t know I was pregnant until I was 5 months gone – Wizkid’s first baby mama opens up on having their son
AFOLABIShola Ogudu, the first babymama of award-winning singer, Ayodeji Balogun aka Wizkid, has opened up on getting pregnant and having her first child and son, boluwatife.
The single mother of one, in an interview with Maria Chike on the Mums Next Door podcast, revealed that she didn’t know she was pregnant until she was five months gone.
According to her, she didn’t have any symptoms until she got to 5 months, and then her tummy began protruding.

Shola stated that she had an stress-free pregnancy because it was one devoid of any symptoms, expect that she had to do away with her body spray and perfume during that period.
She revealed that she was still energetic enough to go to her school in Benin Republic until she was eight months and two weeks gone. In Shola Ogudu’s words:
“My pregnancy, I was pregnant for four months, to be honest, because I didn’t…. I was pregnant till I was four months gone. I didn’t have any symptoms. I don’t know the myth behind it; the moment I found out, my tummy just went big.
The rest of the pregnancy was good because I was going to University. I schooled in Benin Republic. I was going every week and coming home weekend till I finished my final exams. I stopped going to school at eight months, two weeks. The only difference was my tummy was big, but I had no symptoms or anything. It was my body spray and perfume I had to do away with”.
Watch her speak below:
I took 40% of P-Square’s proceeds while Peter, Paul shared 30% each – Jude Okoye sheds light on EFCC petition against him
AFOLABIJude Okoye, the long-time manager of the defunct P-Square group, has revealed the sharing formula of the group proceeds following fraud allegations against him and Paul by Peter.
He explained that P-Square’s proceeds were shared between him, Peter and Paul.
He stated that he took 40 per cent while the duo took 30 per cent each.
Speaking in an Instagram live session on Saturday night, Jude Okoye denied the allegations leveled against him by Peter that he diverted P-Square’s royalties worth millions of dollars into a private account. Jude explained:
“I went to the EFCC office with just Paul. I didn’t go with my lawyer. I gave them all the documents, an officer looked at it and asked if Peter signed. I pointed at his signature for him. I showed him the CAC certificates used in opening both Square Records and Northside Entertainment.
“They were like, you’re even more than P-Square. I said I don’t understand what you mean. They said, look, you’re entitled to 40 per cent shares while the duo are entitled to 30 per cent each. I said, well, I’m not supposed to say it with my mouth, you can see for yourself.”
He said he also presented a memorandum of understanding, MOU, to the anti-graft agency to prove that they all agreed on a sharing formula.
“They [EFCC officers] started asking me some irritable questions like where I got the money to build my house in Ikoyi,” Jude recalled, noting that the building was partly financed by selling his house in America and borrowing money from colleagues.
“I have not been with P-Square for the past eight years, since 2016,” Jude stated, revealing that the rift between the twins began in 2013 and continued until the group officially split in 2016.
According to Jude Okoye, the situation worsened in 2021 when the brothers attempted a reunion, which ultimately failed due to unresolved differences.
He added that several prominent Nigerians had attempted to reconcile P-Square in the past but failed. He said:
“Emeka Offor, the late Ifeanyi Uba, Dantata, Atiku, Peter Obi, governors, ministers, our village king, etc have all tried to reconcile Psquare to no avail,”
Controversial actress, Esther Nwachukwu, has claimed that lazy married men don’t last on bed.Nwachukwu made this disclosure during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, where she said she doesn’t have sex with single guys.
“I don’t have sex with single guys.I go for married men. Married men are more mature.They understand you.Some lazy married men don’t last in bed because they want to save their strength so that their wives won’t know they have had sex outside”.
Nwachukwu also added that she doesn’t care if a man cheats on her, as long as he is rich and gives her money.
“I don’t care if a man cheats on me as long as he gives me money.Money is love.I don’t mind if a man beats me as long as he gives me money. ’E go better’ is not love.In this generation, women love money more than love.I need to elevate myself.I wasn’t born with poverty”.
The outspoken role interpreter also revealed that she is available to marry a man that has six wives.
“I am available to marry a man that has six wives, I just want to be comfortable.I am coming from a poor background so I cannot end up in a poor home.I can only marry an average man if he knows how to make love”.
A chemist operator, name undisclosed, has allegedly raped a minor and 9-year-old girl, Rumaisa Sadiq to death in Jaba, Fanisau area of Kano State.
It was gathered that the ugly incident happened when little Rumaisa was taken to the chemist for malaria treatment by her father.
The Kano State Commissioner of Women Affairs, Disabled and Children, Hajia Aisha Saji in a statement through her Director, Public Enlightenment, Aishatu Haruna, after a condolence visit to family of the deceased, condemned the unholy act and vowed to follow up the case to a logical conclusion.
Hajia Saji said despite moves by some individuals to divert the case, the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf’s led government will ensure justice for the deceased, little Rumaisa, in order to serve as deterrence to others fond of perpetrating the act.
According to the statement, “Despite moves by some individuals to infuse diverters into the reported case of a fatal rape against nine year old Rumaisa Sadiq, the Commissioner of Ministry of Women, Children and the Disabled, Hajiya Aisha Lawan Saji Rano has insisted that there must be justice for the late victim and her family.
“Speaking during a condolence visit to the family house of the victim, the Commissioner said, “there must be justice for the little girl who lost her life simply because someone chose to display his animalistic instinct on her.
“Infact, full and quick dispensation of justice in this case is necessary in order to serve as lesson and deterrence to others like this grown up person that carried out this merciless act against an innocent nine year old girl.
“The Kano State Government under the justice-loving Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will follow up the case in court to a conclusive end.
“In addition to this assurance, the Commissioner also conveyed His Excellency’s condolences to the family and offered her assistance to the family, which included a bag of 50kg rice, a bag of maize, a carton of Macaroni and a gallon of vegetable oil.
“It could however be recalled that Rumaisa was allegedly raped by the owner of a chemist where she was taken to by her father for treatment against malaria.”
The statement added, “According to the Founder, Hidaya Ahmad VVF Aid Foundation, Hajiya Nafisa Salisu Ahmad, who first hinted the Commissioner of the incidence, the case which is already before a court of law, is already attracting concerns from a number of human rights organizations.
“Hajiya Nafisa who accompanied the Commissioner’s delegation to the victim’s family house, also thanked Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Honourable Aisha Lawan Saji Rano for their constant efforts in the struggles against injustice and inhumanity.
“The father of the victim, Alhaji Sadiq who was in hand to receive the delegation, expressed happiness over the Honourable Commissioner’s efforts and His Excellency’s concerns. He prayed to God to keep on protecting them as He sees them through the rigours and demands of office.
“Earlier, the bereaved mother who is apparently yet to recover from the shock of the unfortunate incidence that led to the death of her daughter, thanked both Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Honourable Aisha Saji for making efforts to comfort the family and to assure them of justice,” the statement however reads.
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‘To become a federal judge, you need the backing of the presidency or a political party’ - FCT Judge
AFOLABI
Mabel Segun-Bello, a federal capital territory (FCT) high court judge, says a judicial officer needs the backing of the presidency or the support of a political party to become a judge.
Segun-Bello spoke in Abuja on Saturday at the 2024 clarity conference, with the theme ‘The constellation: Gathering of stars, by stars and for stars’.
The judge, who was the keynote speaker at the event, said she has been guided by perseverance and determination in her career progression.
“You may come from a poverty-stricken background. That is a powerful condition, but you must have the will to rise above it,” Segun-Bello said.
“If I tell you where I come from, two things will happen: you will either think I’m lying or start crying. And remember, I’m not just a state judge; I’m a federal judge.
“To become a federal judge, you need the backing of the presidency or support from a political party. I had neither,” she said.
“This goes to show that principles, when applied universally, can make anything possible.”
Segun-Bello was sworn in as a federal high court judge in 2022, alongside five others.
Ibrahim Muhammad, the then chief justice of Nigeria (CJN), advised the judicial officers to avoid unholy alliances with people of questionable character that could influence them to do things that are offensive to the law.
The Cable
In a nation grappling with protests and uncertainty, the voices of its youth are growing louder, demanding change and action from those in power.
As the world marked International Youth Day last week, calls for reform have intensified, and the spotlight is on Nigeria’s young people to shape the country’s future. Sunday Vanguard sat down with a respected voice of wisdom, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, to gain insight into the role of young people in driving change and the responsibilities of leaders to empower them.
With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the complexities of the nation, Onaiyekan briefly shares his thoughts on the potential of Nigeria’s youth and the way forward.
Amidst growing unrest, can Nigeria’s young people be the catalyst for change?
I congratulate the efforts of young people, who are working towards peace and development in the country. I encourage them to continue pursuing peace using their religious values.
What’s holding Nigeria’s leaders back from harnessing the energy and creativity of the country’s youth?
Young people want to participate and contribute to the peace and development of the nation, but they have not been given adequate attention, space, or encouragement by those in control.
Is the government’s call for patience from young people a recipe for disaster?
Young people cannot and should not be patient. They should show their eagerness to bring about change and improve the country. They have always been at the forefront of change throughout history.
What’s the way forward for Nigeria’s leadership to effectively engage with its young population?
Leaders should be aware of the natural desire of young people to achieve their destiny. They should create an environment for young people to work and succeed, and listen to their concerns.
Can Nigeria’s economy be salvaged, and what role can young people play?
We must create wealth by creating an environment for young people to work with their hands and minds. The government should listen to young people and understand how they want to be helped. We need sincerity, not lies.
Are government programs for young people mere tokenism or a genuine attempt to address their concerns?
Many young people say they have never seen these programmes. We need sincerity and avenues for young people to succeed, not just token efforts like distributing 50,000 naira.
Will the government’s response to protests, such as CNG buses, quell the growing unrest?
I am not sure that initiatives like CNG buses will address the concerns raised. We need to harness our resources, like gas, to create energy and opportunities for young people.
Barely two months after the Presidential Air Fleet, PAF, hovered into controversy over the decision of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence to purchase two new aircraft, it has come to light that Federal Government followed through with the procurement.
A legal dispute between Ogun State and Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng, revealed that despite intense opposition, a N150 billion Airbus A330 was acquired for the PAF, which already has two Falcon 7X jet, two Falcon 900 jets, Gulfstream G550, one Boeing 737 BBJ (Nigerian Air Force 001 or Eagle One) and Gulfstream IVSP, Gulfstream V, Cessna Citation 2 and Hawk Siddeley 125-800 jet.
Last Thursday, stories emerged that three aircraft from the Nigerian presidential fleet – a Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737 and a newly acquired Airbus A330 – were grounded in France and Switzerland due to a court order during routine maintenance.
This development was weeks after the House of Representatives Committee, in a report released after its technical subcommittee assessed the status and airworthiness of the PAF, recommended the addition of two new planes.
The recommendation came after President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima had different distressing experiences using the presidential jets.
Recently, the President had to continue his journey in a commercial plane when two presidential jets broke down simultaneously.
Also on May 7, 2024, Shettima had to shelve a trip to the United States, US, for the US-Africa Business Summit when the presidential jet he was scheduled to travel in developed a fault one hour after take-off.
How Controversies Trailed Aircraft Purchase
In June, however, the arrangements to execute the planned purchase was met with stiff opposition, leading to its secret acquisition.
Among those who voiced concerns about the development was the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
Obi, who faulted the move on X, formerly Twitter, had described it as insensitive, arguing that it was unfortunate that at a time when the country was making headlines over the economic crisis, occasioned by hyperinflation, a falling currency and widespread poverty, the FG was contemplating securing new presidential jets.
“This demonstrates extreme insensitivity to citizens’ struggles. With rising insecurity, poverty, hunger, and homelessness, this decision highlights the disconnect that is apparent between the government and the people. It is unacceptable as the situation in the country today more than ever demands a more compassionate use of resources, prioritising citizens’ welfare.
“It is on record that our presidential jets have an average age of 12 years, purchased when most Nigerians could afford necessities. Now, as our country faces significant challenges, including a high debt profile, our citizens are in even greater need. Instead of adding to our luxuries, we should be focused on alleviating their suffering and finding solutions to their problems,” Obi stated.
Countering him, the Presidency also described Obi’s comment as insensitive to the President’s safety, wondering if he wanted Tinubu to die by flying in a faulty plane.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had asked: “Does Peter Obi want the President dead? Is that his wish? Does he want him to continue moving around in a rickety plane and die like the VP of Malawi and Iran President? Let him tell us.”
Similarly, a faith-based group, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, which also defended the procurement called the aircraft in PAF ‘flying Molue buses’, saying opponents of the move to procure new aircraft were endangering Tinubu’s life.
A statement by the group’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said: “As far as Obi and other irrational critics are concerned, they wish what happened to the Iranian President Raisi recently and the Malawian Vice President last week should happen in Nigeria. God forbid!
“How many times do we have to drum it into the ears of this far right, ultra nationalist opposition cartel that the presidential jets are already worn out? They have become rickety, risky and unserviceable. They have broken down so many times during trips. The old jets can be sold to reduce the cost of new ones. We have had enough of the President and Vice President flying ‘Molue’ buses’.”
What do experts say?
Commenting on the aircraft purchase and seizure, former President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, Mr Sheri Kyari, decried Nigeria’s consistency for dishonouring contracts.
Kyari said: “These types of things are not rocket science, the other people do it in other countries and they successfully achieve them. Why will Nigeria be the only one every now and then? This thing started even way back with Nigeria Airways aircraft and sometimes for issues that Nigeria Airways knew nothing about. I think our country needs to wake up because our resources are dwindling, our population is increasing, yet we find ourselves only concerned about personal aggrandizement.
“It is very sad. How often do the offices charged with reviewing these contracts do so? How often are they reviewed? How often? We just sign once and people go back. Everybody goes to sleep, we get caught up with it and at the end of the day are unable to get ourselves out of it. It’s very sad.”
Adequate maintenance
Kyari noted that rather than purchase a new aircraft to add to the PAF, the old aircraft could have served its purpose by adequate maintenance.
He said: “All I know is the aircraft the President was using is an aircraft that can be maintained. It is probably ten times cheaper to maintain. Nigeria is a poor country behaving like a rich country. Because we want to be seen as a big boy in international politics, we decided that the President must have a wonderful aircraft. I don’t know how we will get out of it, but it is totally sad that we found ourselves in this quagmire this time around,” arguing that the Airbus A330 could have been bought for a lesser price.
Cheaper price
Kyari added: “It is a presidential aircraft. You can get the aircraft for less. But again, when they begin to furnish it for presidential use, security and others that will be added, they are not cheap as such. The president will have his bathroom, his bedroom, his conference and office on board the aircraft. So, those ones are going to be reconstructed as such. And they will be done with the best of materials. So, that alone, you can look at furnishing and can take some $5 to $10 million or more depending on what they want to add.
Lifespan
“There are times the manufacturer will give you 15 years for an economic commercial aircraft. If it is a commercial aircraft, the manufacturer will give you 10 years within which they believe you would have scooped your profit. And when you start maintenance now, it becomes very expensive. But presidential aircraft like this, you don’t need to have any time for it. If it is well maintained, it can be operated for up to 30 years. One of the American Nav 1 aircraft is more than 25 years old now.
“But it is constantly being maintained, knowing that it is their number one citizen that is flying. Here in Nigeria, whether the aircraft is good or not, you will get to the point where it is economically not viable. Rather, they sell it to somebody who they want. But you will be surprised that somebody who comes from outside the country and buys that same aircraft will operate it for many more years.”
Funds
Shedding light, Chief Executive Officer of Centurion Aviation Security and Safety Consult, Group Captain John Ojikutu, retd, wondered who provided funding for the aircraft’s purchase.
Ojikutu, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, said liquidated Nigeria Airways had similar experience in the past.
He said: “Who approved that money for the jet? Was it approved by the National Assembly? From what I have heard, the National Assembly did not approve that money. That is number one. Second, I heard that they seized those aircraft because Ogun State negated the agreement between them and the Chinese.
“Now, can they do that? I don’t know the court to which they went. Can they take something from the federal government and give it to the state? I don’t know. The judgment they have given is against the state government for negating on the agreement they had with the Chinese. There is something wrong and the people in the administration of government, which include the National Assembly, are not saying anything. This has happened to Nigeria Airways before. Some of them (the jets) must have been there before this crisis started for maintenance. They must have been in that place for maintenance.”
Price
On his part, an industry expert, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard under anonymity, explained that creditors always desired to seize aircraft when they operate into a territory where they know the law was favourable to them.
“Most new aircraft sold from a manufacturer would have a list price, but almost no airline pays that amount. Big airlines get huge discounts when they purchase in bulk (100s) while smaller airlines do still get discounts they are much smaller. Regarding the Nigerian government aircraft, these are no longer new and won’t or shouldn’t command those kinds of figures ($100m).
“When new, a Boeing 737 will cost about $60m depending on configuration and options chosen while the A330 could be up to $100m, but remember that it wasn’t purchased new so the price would be anywhere between $30m and $50m. Considering corruption in Nigeria, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone claims it was purchased for $100m and the difference went into someone’s pocket.
“Creditors always look to hold or seize aircraft when they operate into a territory where they know the law is on their side. So, if they can convince a French court that the owners of the aircraft are indebted to them, then the court can order the assets held.”
Billionaire businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, better known as Obi Cubana, has recounted the harrowing experience that turned his world upside down when his wife, Ebele, was struck by a mysterious illness shortly after giving birth to their son.
Obi made this revelation during an interview with presenter Chude Jideonwo.
According to him, what should have been a moment of pure joy quickly morphed into a nightmare as the doctors in the South African hospital delivered a devastating verdict to him about Ebele never walking again, and her days of childbirth were over.
For Obi, this news was like a sledgehammer to the chest, leaving him utterly destabilized and emotionally shattered. That night, he said the weight of his anguish brought him to tears, his mind raced with fear and uncertainty.
But amidst the crushing despair, Obi Cubana recounted how Ebele displayed an unyielding strength that left him in awe.
The billionaire said his wife was unfazed by the grim prognosis, reassured him with unwavering positivity, told him to cast aside his worries about the doctor’s report and trust in God.
He added that just when he thought the situation couldn’t get any worse, some of his so-called friends took it upon themselves to spread vile, despicable rumors that he had sacrificed his wife in a money ritual. This cruel betrayal, according to him, pierced his heart, left him deeply saddened.
WATCH HIM SPEAK BELOW