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The Ogun State Police Command, on Tuesday, arraigned the suspended Olorile of Orile Ifo, Semiu Adewale Ogunjobi, for assaulting a 73-year-old chief, Abraham Areola.
Ogunjobi was arraigned on three counts bordering on conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
The Nigeria Police Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.
He said, “The Kabiyesi Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, who assaulted one elderly man in a viral video, in Ifo Ogun State, has been charged to court today February 4, 2025, on a three-count of conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
“He was granted bail while the case was adjourned to 06/03/2025.”
The FPRO vowed that justice would be served on the matter.
“The police will continue to uphold the rule of law and the core values of the noble profession,” Adejobi said.
Details later…
[Punch]
The Ogun state government has suspended Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, a traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, for six months over alleged assault of an elderly man.
In the viral video, the victim was seen kneeling and prostrating on a dirt road as a baritone voice rained curses on him.
“You’re a traitor who won’t enjoy the fruits of your labour. You’ll lose your family, and evil will befall you. I dare anyone who thinks they can defend you to come out publicly and say it to my face,” the shadowy figure bellowed in Yoruba.
“Go ahead and report me to the police if you dare. If you die, you’ll be buried, and no one will even ask about you.
“You are an ungrateful person. I’m the one who made Wasiu Baale and this is how you repay me? I’ll put you in jail, and I have the power to control the police.”
In a statement, Ganiu Hamzat, Ogun commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, said Ogunjobi’s conduct was unbecoming of a traditional ruler.
The commissioner said the ministry has summoned the monarch and victim for questioning.
He added that the decision was reached by the ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council.
“After the investigation conducted on the matter, Oba Ogunjobi has been suspended,” Hamzat said.
“He has been stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile of Orile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise in the matter.
“This was in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.”
Hamzat said the state government would not tolerate disrespect towards residents — regardless of the perpetrator’s status.
OGUN POLICE COMMENCE PROBE
In a statement, the Ogun police command said it is aware of the video.
A statement by Omolola Odutola, police spokesperson in Ogun, identified the victim as Areola Abraham.
She added that Lanre Ogunlowo, the state’s police commissioner, has ordered a probe of the incident.
“Both parties reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department Eleweran, and their statements were obtained,” Odutola said.
The command condemned any form of assault, harassment and violence, regardless of the status of the individuals involved.
Odutola added that the command would ensure that justice is served and that the public is kept abreast of developments.
[TheCable]
Satisfied with the evidence of 19 witnesses they produced to testify before the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, yesterday, closed their case.
The petitioners are challenging the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of All Progressives Congress, APC, as winner of the gubernatorial contest held September 21, 2024 in the state.
At the resumed proceeding in the matter, lead counsel for the petitioners, Mr. Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, informed the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel tribunal that they have concluded their case.
The application came shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, produced five additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, machines that were used for the election.
The electronic devices, which were tendered by a Senior Technical Officer in the ICT Department of INEC, Mr. Anthony Itodo, were admitted in evidence, though all the respondents in the matter objected, saying they would give their reasons in their final written addresses.
It will be recalled that the tribunal had earlier admitted in evidence, a total of 148 BVAS that were used in 133 polling units where results of the election were being disputed by the PDP.
Meanwhile, the tribunal has fixed tomorrow, for INEC to open its defence.
INEC had declared that Okpebholo of the APC secured 291,667 votes to defeat his closet rivalry, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got 247,655 votes.
Aggrieved by the outcome of the poll, the PDP and its candidate approached the tribunal, praying it to nullify INEC’s declaration of the APC and Okpebholo as winners of the contest.
The petitioners, among other things, contended that the governorship election was invalid by reason of alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.
They equally argued in the petition marked: EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, that Okpebholo of the APC did not secure the highest number of lawful votes that were cast at the election.
The federal executive council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Tinubu, has approved N885 billion for the execution of 10 road projects.
Speaking after the FEC meeting on Monday in Abuja, David Umahi, minister of works, said the projects are aimed at upgrading Nigeria’s road networks and bridges across various states.
He highlighted additional major projects approved, including the reconstruction of three sections of the Lokoja-Benin road, an important route for trade and transportation.
“The project will be carried out in concrete and includes: Obajana to Benin (Section I): N64 billion, Auchi to Edo (Section II): N110 billion, Benin Airport to Edo (Section III): N131 billion. The total cost of this project alone is over N305 billion,” the minister said.
He added that FEC approved N252 billion for the Abuja-Kano highway, which has been restructured into two main sections.
According to Umahi, section one extends from the FCT boundary to Niger state, with an additional 5.71 kilometres, while section two covers areas in Kano state, with a 17-kilometre expansion.
He said most of the project will be constructed with concrete, incorporating solar lighting along its 118-kilometre stretch.
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“The council also gave the green light for the reconstruction of the Second Niger Bridge access roads in Delta and Anambra states,” he said.
“The Delta section is set to be constructed using concrete for a contract sum of ₦470.9 billion, while the Anambra section will cost N148 billion.
“Further approvals include: Onitsha-Owerri expressway: N22 billion, Musasa-Jos-Kaduna road: N18 billion, Abia and Enugu state road rehabilitation: N12.75 billion.”
FEC APPROVES N3BN FOR EVALUATION OF BRIDGES IN LAGOS
For Lagos, he announced that FEC approved N3.571 billion for a thorough evaluation of the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges.
Umahi said the assessment will focus on examining the structural integrity of the underwater piles and identifying measures to prevent further deterioration.
Another key project is the continuation of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway (phase II, section I), approved with a budget of N195 billion.
Umahi noted that the federal government is focused on implementing cost-effective solutions, particularly by shifting major road projects to concrete construction, which is expected to offer greater durability and long-term cost savings.
He praised the ministry’s success in renegotiating project costs, stating that by using concrete for key sections, the ministry has achieved substantial savings compared to previous projections.
Addressing concerns about delays and structural issues on some roads, including sections of the Abuja-Lokoja road, the minister assured that contractors have been assigned to fix the issues.
“We are not accepting excuses such as high temperatures for road failures. The affected sections are being redone with proper oversight,” he said.
FEC APPROVES N159BN FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS IN ABUJA
Also speaking, Mariya Bunkure, minister of state for the FCT, announced that the FEC also approved an investment of N159.5 billion for five major infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the road networks and transportation systems within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Bunkure said one of the key projects approved is the construction of a bus terminal in Mabushi, awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited for N30.97 billion.
The minister said the project is expected to be completed within 18 months and is part of a larger initiative to enhance urban mobility in Abuja.
“Another critical project is the Arterial Road N1, which will connect Wuye District to Ring Road II. Valued at N62.5 billion, this contract has been awarded to Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited and is projected to take 20 months to complete,” the minister said.
“Additionally, the government has sanctioned the Kuje-Gwagwalada dual carriageway project, aimed at enhancing connectivity between key satellite towns.
“This project, costing ₦7.5 billion, has been awarded to Gilmo Engineering Nigeria Limited.
“The rehabilitation of Old Keffi Road, a vital 15-kilometer stretch linking Kado Village to Dei-Dei, is also on the agenda with a budget of ₦26.87 billion, awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited, set for completion in 18 months.
“Finally, an access road to the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Project in Kasana West District has been approved for ₦31.66 billion, also awarded to Lubric Construction Company Limited with an expected completion timeline of 18 months.”
Bunkure said the infrastructure projects are aimed at improving mobility while also boosting socio-economic activities and increasing access to both residential and commercial developments across the FCT.
She assured that the contracts would be closely monitored to ensure timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.
The minister said the infrastructure plan supports Tinubu’s broader vision for urban development and connectivity in Nigeria’s capital, demonstrating a commitment to tackle long-standing infrastructure gaps and foster economic growth in both urban and satellite regions.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reached an agreement with the federal government to temporarily suspend its planned nationwide protest against the 50 percent increase in telecommunications tariffs.
Following a meeting on Monday with government representatives, NLC leadership, led Joe Ajaero, president of the congress, agreed to delay the protest for two weeks.
As part of the agreement, a 10-member committee, consisting of five members from each side, has been established to review the tariff hike report and propose solutions that address the concerns of both telecom operators and consumers.
The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
NLC had announced plans to go on nationwide protests on February 4 after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs, citing rising operational costs and inflation.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the NLC president lamented that the labour was not consulted before the tariff hike was agreed upon by the NCC.
“We emphasised to them that the NLC is the largest organisation in the whole of Africa, and there is no consultation of stakeholders that does not include us that will stand,” Ajaero said.
“It was on that premise that they agreed to have a larger committee to look at the entire tariff structure and model to come up with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.
“So, the committee will be made up of five, five from both sides, and expected to come up with a result after two weeks that will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement.
“The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee.
“The outcome of such committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues put online.
“But I want to use this particular meeting to put in our displeasure on the electricity tariff and the tax that is killing the workers now the tax regime, which is unbearable.
“So those are actions that are still on course, you know, until they are addressed. So that’s the summary of the meeting.”
Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said there would be no protest on February 4.
“Well, as you can see, we have been engaging with members of Nigeria Labour Congress, the leadership, the president, secretary, and other members of the executive council of the NLC,” the minister said.
“We have met here under the chairmanship of the secretary government of the federation. We have the minister of finance and the coordinating minister of the economy, the minister of budget, the minister of communication, minister of labour and myself, and, of course, the executive vice chairman of the NCC.
“We have deliberated at length. The crux of the matter is that there is already a study that was conducted by the NCC that led them to arrive at this 50 percent increase.
“Now, we are discussing this with labour and labour has agreed that they will look at that study, and then a small committee has been set up to look at that study once again and come up with a final resolution for the consideration of government and labour in about two weeks’ time.
“So, the summary of it is that labour and the Nigerians Labour Congress specifically, and the delegation of the federal government, have set up a committee of five each.
“We’re going to meet here continuously for the next two weeks, and at the end of the second week, we will now come up with a recommendation that will give to government and the organised labour for final consideration.
“Now, I think what has happened here has effectively taken out that position (protests). Both of us have agreed. And in fact, it is an attempt to put a stop to that (protests) that led us to make this meeting to happen today.
“So this meeting has happened both the organized labour, the NLC, particularly the government People have sat down here and have agreed on this position so there won’t be any protest tomorrow by Nigerian Labour Congress, and there will be some form of report that will come up in about two weeks from now to consider the study and other considerations by both parties
The federal executive council (FEC) has approved an allocation of N4.5 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to supportNigerians living with HIV/AIDS.
The approval by FEC comes after the US government granted an emergency humanitarian waiver, reversing a previous funding pause on HIV treatment in developing countries—including Nigeria.
The pause was initially ordered under an executive directive by President Donald Trump as part of a broader review of foreign aid.
Nigeria has been heavily reliant on international assistance for HIV initiatives, particularly from the US president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR).
The federal government’s approved budget will facilitate the procurement of 150,000 treatment packs over four months.
This initiative aims to provide immediate relief and demonstrate Nigeria’s intent to build a more sustainable domestic financing model for health interventions.
Speaking on the approval on Monday after the FEC meeting, Ali Pate, minister of health and social welfare, said it underscores Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring continuous access to life-saving treatment for individuals affected by the virus.
“This allocation is critical for ensuring that those living with HIV continue to receive necessary treatments without interruption,” Pate said.
The minister said the FEC also set up a committee with membership drawn from the ministries of finance, budget, defence, environment and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) to come up with a sustainability plan.
“This is about ensuring that no Nigerian loses access to treatment during this period of adjustment,” he said.
Speaking on the recent US policy changes, Pate said while Nigeria appreciates the contributions of the American government over the last 20 years, it is now focused on transforming its health sector, using national systems and domestic financing.
Pate announced that the FEC has also approved the HOPE (human capital opportunities for prosperity and equity) programme, a $1 billion initiative aimed at enhancing governance and strengthening primary healthcare systems across the country.
“This programme is very much in line with the direction of this administration—to focus on investing in the human capital of Nigerians. People are at the centre of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the minister said.
He added that the funding, developed in collaboration with the International Development Association (IDA), allocates $500 million for governance improvements and another $500 million to enhance primary healthcare.
The minister noted that the governance component will incentivise states to recruit and train teachers and healthcare workers, while the healthcare portion will expand primary healthcare services, improve quality, and boost resilience
Ehi Braimah, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Naija Times, has been named a finalist for the 2025 StudyUK Alumni Awards, a prestigious international recognition by the British Council.
The award, now in its 11th edition, honours outstanding UK university alumni worldwide and celebrates professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders across four categories: business and innovation, culture and creativity, science and sustainability, and social action.
In a statement by Toby Odo, the editor of Naija Times, Braimah, an alumnus of the University of Roehampton, was nominated in the culture and creativity award category.
“This recognition follows Braimah’s recent Chancellor’s Alumni Award from the University of Roehampton, London,” the statement reads.
“He was among three Nigerians and 20 recipients globally honoured for Alumni Innovation and Inspiration, further cementing his reputation as a top PR expert and marketing strategist.”
Last year, the Naija Times publisher was honoured with the Chancellor’s Alumni Award at the University of Roehampton in London.
Braimah was recognised alongside two Nigerians, Humphrey Aghoghovbia Jr. and Marian Adejokun, at the event held on October 22, 2024, at the university campus.
He was honoured with the Alumni Innovation and Inspiration award for his contributions to evidence-based reporting in Nigeria.
The institution praised Braimah for “promoting balanced journalism” through the Naija Times, particularly during the 2023 presidential election, and for advocating for societal reforms.
[TheCable]
The presidency has dismissed the recent gathering of opposition figures and dissenting voices within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), asserting that the President remains “undistracted and unperturbed” despite emerging political tensions.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) early on Sunday, Dare reacted to what he described as a politically motivated assembly of Tinubu’s opponents, including some former allies within the APC, who criticized the President’s leadership amid growing economic and political challenges in Nigeria.
“While President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria was away in faraway Dar es Salaam, capital of Tanzania, his political opponents, detractors, opposition elements, and pseudo-friends unfolded their Machiavellian inclinations,” Dare wrote, referring to the President’s recent official trip focused on addressing Nigeria’s energy issues.
The gathering, which featured prominent opposition figures and APC members now at odds with Tinubu’s administration, was described by Dare as a meeting fueled by “ill-will,” with participants “heating up the polity” and promoting undemocratic sentiments.
“Expectedly, it was a gathering convened to further spread ill-will. Nothing new came out of the gathering different from the opposition script we are used to,” he stated, adding that some individuals “went overboard in their vitriol, fanning the embers for adopting undemocratic actions.”
Despite what he called the “early combat” initiated by Tinubu’s critics, Dare emphasized that the President remains focused on governance rather than political distractions.
“The clouds are beginning to clear. The stage sets soon. The combat begins. Until then, President Tinubu, an avowed democrat, remains undistracted and unperturbed. The fight is ahead. Not now,” he declared.
According to Dare, Tinubu’s sole priority at this time is addressing Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges and improving the lives of its citizens.
“The only conversation he wants to have now is how to improve the lives of Nigerian citizens and constructive discourse on building a resilient economy,” he noted.
In a direct message to those eyeing the 2027 elections, Dare advised political aspirants to wait for the appropriate time to test their popularity at the polls, stressing that President Tinubu remains committed to leadership, not electioneering.
“This is 2025. Not 2027. Let those who want to test their popularity with Nigerians wait for the next election. President Tinubu is fully focused on providing the leadership that will transform our country,” Dare concluded.
The political landscape has grown increasingly tense in recent weeks, with rising dissent within the APC and growing criticism from opposition parties over the administration’s handling of the economy, security, and governance.
Apart from former vice President Atiku Abubakar, a PDP chieftain, former governors Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), were some prominent Nigerians who criticised President Tinubu at a National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, in Abuja.
In a separate post, Dare put Nigerians on notice on the implications of the ongoing tariff war between the United States of America and Canada.
He warned that that the fallout will reverberate around the world.
“Nigeria must pay close attention to the Tariff War between USA and Canada and of course a number of North Atlantic Countries. There will be fall outs that will reverberate around the world.
“The WTO will be instrumental in helping to manage the impacts of this seeming new world order.
There is a lesson in all to these for us as a country. We are witnessing a new movement: America First. Canada First. It’s time for Nigeria First! Let’s put Nigeria first -no matter,” the Presidential spokesperson wrote
[PRESS RELEASE ] Tinubu sticks to 'snatch and grab' agenda with no plans to strengthen Nigeria's democracy - Atiku
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE ] Tinubu sticks to 'snatch and grab' agenda with no plans to strengthen Nigeria's democracy - Atiku](/media/k2/items/cache/9cf62192b9f01f86c4cb1b22b7d1a6eb_S.jpg)
Late in the evening of Saturday, 2 February, the Special Adviser on Public Communication and one of President Tinubu’s Spokespersons, Mr. Sunday Dare posted two comments on his verified X handle.
The first post made a case for countries to tighten their belts on the heels of the announcement from President Trump’s administration to impose tariffs in line with his America First agenda, and the other post which came much later the same night tried to discredit the actions of political leaders in strengthening democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
The second post is a lame attempt to impugn the credibility of political leaders who seek a better direction for Nigeria, and, in so doing, Dare painted a picture of what is to be expected in how the Tinubu administration plans to take the next election in the country as “a combat and a fight” or better still the deepening of their notorious "snatch and grab" agenda.
It therefore becomes pertinent to tell the Tinubu administration that last week's gathering of political leaders across the country is aimed at fostering the ethos of democracy in Nigeria; making sure that elections in Nigeria are credible and that democracy is the vehicle for progress and social justice in the country.
We find it curious that the Tinubu government would react to these noble ideals as “Machiavellian inclinations.”
If the Tinubu administration could describe opposition in a democracy in the language of the era of Dark Ages, we find such behaviour as unbecoming and a stark attack on the collective impression of our hard-won democracy and the fundamental human rights that it guarantees.
The other post by Dare speaks to the “Tariff War” – by which the Tinubu administration seeks to interpret President Trump’s America First approach to international trade.
First of all, we condemn the careless remarks by the Spokesperson of President Tinubu on an issue that potentially affects Nigeria’s relations with the U.S. and other countries, including partner institutions in international trade.
That aside, it is a contradiction in terms that the Tinubu administration, which came into power on the philosophy of self-right to rule, will mock Nigerians on matters of patriotism.
We urge the Tinubu administration to practice what it preaches by embracing the Nigeria First ideals in replacement to the self-entitled and other primordial sentiments it panders to.
Nigeria has gone through all kinds of class, ethnic and religious divisions since the advent of the Tinubu administration.
This is the first government in the history of Nigeria that will put Nigerians on Band A or Band C on the cadre of access to social infrastructure.
We therefore urge the Tinubu government to unite and heal the nation and desist from making careless remarks about other countries or the patriotism of the Nigerian people.
Signed:
Paul Ibe
Atiku Media Office
Abuja
[PRESS RELEASE] Obidient Movement Stands for Truth and Justice Rejecting Governor Bisi Akande’s False Allegations
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] Obidient Movement Stands for Truth and Justice Rejecting Governor Bisi Akande’s False Allegations](/media/k2/items/cache/792cfe902ad26743d307be68e368a8a8_S.jpg)
The Obidient Movement outrightly rejects the baseless and revisionist claim by former Governor Bisi Akande that our movement was behind the historic EndSARS protests, allegedly orchestrated to stop Bola Ahmed Tinubu from becoming President. This false narrative is not only an insult to the memory of the young Nigerians who lost their lives in the fight against police brutality but also a desperate attempt to rewrite history and shift blame for the government's failures.
EndSARS was a decentralized, youth-led movement demanding an end to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and systemic oppression in Nigeria. It was not about politics, nor was it about any single individual’s presidential ambition. Nigerians, especially young people, took to the streets in 2020 because they were tired of injustice, unchecked police violence, and a government that refused to listen to its people.
To suggest that the Obidient Movement a movement that emerged years later as a symbol of hope, accountability, and good governance was responsible for EndSARS is not only false but also a deliberate attempt to discredit our cause. We are a movement of patriotic Nigerians united by the desire for a better country, not agents of chaos as Akande and his allies would like to paint us.
Rather than engaging in revisionist propaganda, we urge Akande and his associates to focus on addressing the real issues facing Nigerians today economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and bad governance. The people are suffering, and no amount of misinformation or historical distortion will change that reality.
We stand firm in our mission to restore integrity, transparency, and good governance in Nigeria. No amount of false accusations will deter us from advocating for a better future for our nation.
Signed,
Dr Tanko Yunusa
National Coordinator, Obidient Movement
More...
![[PRESS RELEASE] DISCLAIMER: Obidient Movement Joins ADC](/media/k2/items/cache/8124917db3c1afdba7c11a6dfbf70dd5_XS.jpg)
The attention of the Leadership of the OBIDIENT MOVEMENT has been drawn to a media publication recently in circulation suggesting that the obidient movement has joined the Action Democratic Party (ADC)
For the purpose of clarity the obidient movement has not joined or associated it's self with any other political party or any coalition as at today.
From the video in circulation we only saw members from the Coalition of the protection of democracy (COPDEM) in a meeting with the National Leadership of ADC.
Please be informed that COPDEM is an organization which also serve as one of the support group and as such is not the obidient movement neither does it have any authority to negotiate with any political party on behalf of the obidient movement.
We want to reassure the general public that the obidient movement is dedicated and is working tirelessly with critical stakeholders and people of like minds who are desirous of seeing a new Nigeria through our principal his Excellency Mr Peter obi
We therefore consider all this propaganda as an attempt to undermine and derail the activities of the obidient movement which is solidly behind HE Mr Peter Obi.
Hon Chidiebere Darlington Anyanwu CHYDON
Personal Assistant on Media & publicity to Dr Tanko Yunusa the national coordinator obidient movement .
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N950 to N890, effective from Saturday.
This price adjustment is said to be in response to favourable developments in the global energy sector and a significant decline in international crude oil prices. Dangote Refinery said its decision to crash the price reflects its commitment to aligning with market realities and ensuring that consumers benefit from changes in international crude oil prices.
Dangote refinery, in a statement issued by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, explained that this latest move follows a similar decision made on 19th January, when a modest price increase was implemented due to rising crude oil costs. However, with recent global market trends indicating a decline, Dangote Refinery added that adjusting its pricing structure was a bold move to drive economic relief for Nigerians.
The statement also noted that the price reduction would significantly lower the cost of petrol across the country, generating a positive ripple effect throughout the broader economy.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery firmly believes that this reduction from N950 to N890 will result in a meaningful decrease in the cost of petrol nationwide, thereby driving down the prices of goods and services, as well as the overall cost of living, with a positive ripple effect on various sectors of the economy,” the statement said.
The refinery has also called on marketers across the country to ensure that the benefits of the reduced price are passed on to the Nigerian public while reiterating its support for the economic revival spearheaded by President Bola Tinubu, whose administration is focused on making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub.
“This collective initiative will contribute to the wider economic recovery plan led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is dedicated to making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub¸” it noted.
It stressed that Dangote Petroleum Refinery would continue to introduce innovative strategies aimed at safeguarding the interests of Nigeria and its citizens.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision is expected to play a vital role in stabilising the country’s economy, ensuring that the benefits of lower fuel prices are felt across all sectors
The leadership of the telecommunications sector union has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its planned protest against the federal government-approved 50 percent increase in telecom service tariffs.
In a letter addressed to the NLC president and the National Administrative Council, the union’s general secretary, Comrade Okonu Abdullahi, argued that the tariff hike was necessary to prevent the sector’s collapse amid rising operational costs.
The union expressed concern over the NLC’s decision to mobilise workers for a nationwide demonstration on February 7, 2025, without consulting stakeholders in the telecom industry.
According to the letter, the sector has been struggling with skyrocketing expenses due to the removal of fuel subsidies, increased electricity tariffs, and the naira’s depreciation.
The letter highlighted that the cost of Automated Gas Oil (AGO) used to power telecom base stations surged from N842.25 to N1,441.28 since May 2023, while petrol prices for engineers maintaining these sites rose from N198 to over N1,030.
Additionally, the fluctuating foreign exchange rate, with the naira dropping from N460 to N1,700 per dollar, has made it increasingly difficult for telecom operators to import essential equipment.
Abdullahi warned that without the tariff adjustment, telecom companies might be forced to implement service cuts, leading to job losses and disruptions in critical sectors such as finance and security. He also noted that workers in the telecom industry have not benefited from wage increases like their counterparts in other sectors due to the financial strain on employers.
The union urged the NLC leadership to rescind the protest directive, emphasising that the tariff increase is the only viable solution to sustaining the sector. “If the sector collapses, other industries will suffer,” the letter warned, adding that continued resistance to the price adjustment could lead to mass layoffs and unreliable network services.
