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[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Mourns The Passing Of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Mourns The Passing Of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter](/media/k2/items/cache/b823bc04bce99a8f11f7bdf6a50b01a8_L.jpg)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extends his deepest condolences to the government and people of the United States of America on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100.
President Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was a beacon of service to humanity, demonstrating to leaders worldwide the profound impact of dedication beyond the highest office.
As a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and global statesman, President Carter devoted his post-presidential life to the causes of peace, democracy, and the eradication of tropical diseases. His unwavering commitment to these noble pursuits has left an indelible mark on the world.
"President Carter showed us all how to remain relevant and impactful after leaving the esteemed position of President of the United States," remarked President Tinubu.
"He tackled the challenges the developing world faced, from combating diseases to mediating conflicts and promoting democratic values. He exemplified grace, dignity, and a profound respect for humanity."
President Tinubu fondly recalls President Carter as a trustworthy and compassionate friend to Nigeria. He lauds Carter's significant contributions through The Carter Center, particularly his efforts in eradicating Guinea worm disease and river blindness in Nigeria, which have significantly improved the lives of many Nigerians.
Reflecting on Nigeria-U.S. relations, President Tinubu nostalgically remembers President Carter's historic visit to Nigeria in March 1978 and his three-day stay at the State House in Marina, Lagos State. Under Carter's leadership, this visit marked a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign policy. It laid the groundwork for a pragmatic relationship between the United States and Africa, with Nigeria at its heart.
President Tinubu expresses hope that President Carter's legacy of decency, character, and humanity, both in and out of office, will continue to inspire Americans and leaders worldwide to embrace the true essence of leadership.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said that President Bola Tinubu does not interfere in its operations, or influence movements within it.
NNPCL argued that: “Employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation.”
Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, stated these in a statement issued yesterday in response to the article, “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC” authored by Prof. Farooq Kperogi.
According to him, decisions within the NNPCL “are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise.”
Kperogi had in his article criticised what he called “Tinubu’s relentless Yorubacentric take-over of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)” alleging that “Yoruba people now occupy major positions at the NNPC and that a certain (person) is ‘being proposed as GMD after Mele Kyari’s term expires early next year.”
But Soneye in a statement said Kperogi’s article was full of misconceptions about the operations and leadership structure of the company.
He explained that NNPCL focused on efficient and effective service delivery, anchored on the commitment of qualified work team.
He also clarified that that President Tinubu did not interfere in the operations or leadership movements within the NNPC.
“On the contrary, his administration has introduced transformative policies that have added immense value to the oil and gas sector and the broader Nigerian economy.
“President Tinubu’s approach has been to empower institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation. His reforms have set a benchmark that has significantly improved the sector, surpassing the achievements of many of his predecessors,” he said.
The NNPC spokesman emphasized that the company is a professional organisation with a diverse leadership lineup that includes individuals from various parts of the world, not just Nigeria.
“The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPC, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable.
“It is, thus, sad that a professor of Mr Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonise President Tinubu,” he said.
He stated that under the leadership of Mele Kyari, the NNPCL has achieved remarkable milestones and recorded several “firsts” in the industry.
“These milestones were not defined, coloured or contoured by primordial fault-lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence. These milestones include groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships that were previously thought unattainable. This success is a testament to the company’s focus on competence and professionalism rather than on parochialism as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr. Kperogi,” he said.
The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has released list of approved tour operators for the 2025 Hajj.
This was contained in a statement from the Commission’s Assistant Director Information and Publications Division, Fatima Sanda Usara, on Friday.
Usara advised all tour operators and members of the public to check the commission’s website. NAHCON spokesperson warned the general public against transacting business with unlicensed tour operators.
“Sequel to application and thorough screening of Tour Operator Companies that applied for the 2025 Hajj and Umrah Operations, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is happy to announce the list of successful companies as approved by the Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman.
“After the screening, 118 Private Tour Operators qualified for the License. The 10 lead companies were selected along three zones namely four from Kano zone, three from FCT zone and three from Lagos. The ten lead companies are selected in compliance with Saudi Arabian directives,” the statement read.
The commission further advised Nigerians who will be traveling for the 2025 Hajj to observe all safety measures as directed.
“Always wear your identification, listen to announcements and obey the instructions of Police and security personnel to ensure safety.
“Follow designated pathways and time slots for rituals, particularly during the stoning of the Jamarat, to avoid stampedes, heatstrokes and dehydration.
“Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water and rest under shaded areas to avoid heat-related illnesses.
“Know the locations of medical facilities, carry your medications, practice good hygiene and wear comfortable footwears to avoid injuries and strain due to long standing and walks.
“Avoid purchasing from street vendors and unidentified sources.
China’s central bank yesterday revealed that it has renewed a bilateral currency swap agreement with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of efforts to boost trade between both countries.
The total value of the agreement was N3.28 trillion (15 billion yuan or about $2.09 billion), China’s Xinhua News quoted the People’s Bank of China to have revealed this in a statement on its website.
The agreement is valid for three years and could be renewed upon mutual consent, according to the statement.
It said that the renewal of the currency swap arrangement would strengthen financial cooperation between China and Nigeria, expand the use of the two currencies, and promote and facilitate bilateral trade and investment.
The currency swap agreement was signed by both countries in 2018, when Mr. Godwin Emefiele was the CBN Governor.
The transaction was aimed at providing adequate local currency liquidity to Nigerian and Chinese industrialists and other businesses, thereby reducing the difficulties encountered in the search for third currencies. Among other benefits, the agreement was expected to provide naira liquidity to Chinese businesses and provide RMB liquidity to Nigerian businesses respectively, thereby improving the speed, convenience and volume of transactions between the two countries.
It was also expected to assist both countries in their foreign exchange reserves management, enhance financial stability and promote broader economic cooperation between the two countries.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima recently expressed satisfaction with the continuous increase in the volume of trade between Nigeria and China, saying it was one of the highest in Africa.
He had therefore called for constant improvement of relations between the two nations, maintaining that the two countries are friends that have sustained mutual respect and honour for each other.
Shettima made this known when he played host to a delegation from China led by the Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Mr. Zhang Qingwei, recently.
Expressing satisfaction with the volume of trade between Nigeria and China, the vice-president had said: “Last year in 2023, our trade relations with China got to $22.6 billion, one of the highest in Africa, if not the highest, and that trade relationship is growing by 33 percent every year.
“Mind you, the Nigerian economy is picking up but that did not stop our business relationship with China. So, I want to reassure you that we will support you in whatever way we can. We believe in you, we respect you and we cherish our relationship.”
Secondary Explosion Responsible for Death of 10 Civilians in Sokoto Not Military Airstrikes - DHQ
AFOLABI
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday said the coordinated onslaught against Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto State by air and land components of operation Fansan Yamma were not responsible for the alleged civilian casualties.
The military said civilian casualties resulted from a secondary explosion, contrary to the erroneous media report that military airstrikes hit wrong location and killed no fewer than 10 armless and innocent citizens in a village in Sokoto state.
Also yesterday, the Nigerian military allayed fears of citizens over the acquisition of drones by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists to attack troops’ locations.
On December 25, a coordinated joint operation was conducted between the air and land components of Operation Fansan Yamma to destroy Lakurawa terrorist groups in their hideouts at Gidan Bissah and Gidan Rotuwa in Jilukon Forest, in Sokoto State killing no fewer than 10 villagers.
Refuting the alleged killing of civilians during airstrikes in North-west operational theatre, the Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba, revealed that locals confirmed that the Lakurawa terrorists stayed in the village and used the area for the conduct of their operations.
Buba stated that intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance as well as human intelligence reports prior to the operation consistently indicated the hideout was a high concentration terrorist location.
According to him, “The air strikes at the end of the day had minor impact on the surrounding villages.
“The air strikes indeed hit logistic base of the terrorist which led to secondary explosions and it was these secondary explosions that led to some casualties that was earlier reported.
“The neutralised lakurawa terrorist combatants were burnt indeed beyond recognition because they were hit directly by the strikes”.
Buba noted that the terrorists are known to blend within the local populace.
“We knew about this and it is for this reason that we painstakingly made sure that we minimise civilian casualty in this strike and because the terrorists blend among the civil populace, it is often difficult to differentiate friend from foe.
“In summarising, I would say that troops target terrorists and not innocent citizens. Having said that, we must also remember that war is ugly and horrible in every sense. War is never beautiful and it is the worst human endeavor ever,” he stressed.
This, he said was the reason the military often explain what troops were doing in the field knowing that by so doing they have a better chance to deny the enemy to manipulate things and use it for their purposes or to their advantage.
Buba said every innocent soul lost in the course of their operation was a tragedy and they do sympathise with their loved ones and their families whenever such occurs.
“But we must be reminded that our troops are very professional in their actions and are indeed turning the tide against the insurgents and terrorists.
‘We encourage citizens and say that together we make an extraordinary difference even as ordinary people. We call on your support always and we want to thank the people in that community that tremendously helped our operation to be this successful.
“We wouldn’t have been able to do it without their cooperation and the intel that they provided us. Thank you very much. The Armed Forces have to protect our citizens and it is for these reasons that we carry out our operations to make sure that citizens are protected and our territory and our territorial integrity is also secured.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian military yesterday allayed fear of citizens over the acquisition of drones by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists to attack troops locations.
The military said there was no cause for alarm as the drones used by the terrorists are not military-graded unmanned aerial vehicles.
Buba, said this while fielding questions from journalists during a press briefing in Abuja yesterday.
Buba said the drones used by terrorists were “toys” to harass civilians.
“The report about the usage of drones. I don’t think that there’s need for any unnecessary panic about the usage of drones.
“We are in war against terrorists and against insurgents across our country and all you need to know is not far from what you see happening in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Hamas and all that. The use of drones in the battlefield is not new.
“Now when we are talking of drones, we don’t want unnecessary panic because these are not professional drones, not military-grade drones.
“These are toys that they went to buy and found a way to put one or two things on board and use them. How effective were they? They were not effective. Are we doing something about it? Yes, we are.
“Since we now know that this is where their thinking and their thoughts are going, we have to take measures to control such attacks. I don’t call them really attacks, I call them harassments,” he said.
Buba further clarified that there was no foreign military base in Nigeria, adding that Nigeria has refused to be a ground for any proxy war.
According to him, “We don’t have any foreign military base. We said this more than one time, we do not have any foreign military base in Nigeria. “Anyone who is saying that is trying to be mischievous… trying to be misleading and definitely he has an agenda.
“There is no foreign military base in Nigeria to be a ground for proxy war. We don’t want our country to be a ground for proxy war. You accept one person, the enemy of that person will start to woo you. That is a proxy war. We don’t want that.
“So anywhere you hear anybody talking like that, I think they are doing that as a distraction.”
To spend N35.68trn on capital projects, recurrent get N38.57 trn
•Lagos, Niger, Ogun, Delta, Enugu, A/Ibom emerge as heavy spenders
•Gombe, Yobe, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Nasarawa’re least spenders
•Lagos’ N3trn surpasses North-East six states’ N2.6trn
•Rivers, FCT yet to announce budgets
TO alleviate poverty and improve the fortunes of the citizenry in 2025, the Federal Government and 35 of the 36 states of the country have proposed to spend N74.249 trillion as budget next year.
Rivers State, which is enmeshed in political crisis and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, are yet to announce their budgets.
The N74.249 trillion could be more, by the end of 2025, as the Federal Government and most of the states’ proposals are yet to be passed by the legislature. There is also the likelihood of supplementary appropriations.
According to Vanguard’s summation of the various budgets, the sum of N35.676 trillion or 48.05 per cent would be spent on capital projects while recurrent expenditures were allocated N38.573 trillion (51.95 per cent).
Indeed, most of the 35 states allocated more funds to capital expenditure except Ekiti , Osun and the Federal Government (see table).
Ekiti State proposed to spend N183.464 billion of its N375.790 billion budget on capital projects and earmarked N192.327 billion for recurrent expenditure.
On its part, Osun State proposed N390.028 billion, voted N144.231 billion for capital expenditure, and N245.797billion for recurrent.
At the centre, the Federal Government unveiled a N49.74 trillion proposal made up of N30.45 recurrent expenditure and N19.29 trillion capital expenditure.
The recurrent budget consists of N16.33 trillion (debt servicing) and N14.12 trillion (non-debt recurrent). And the capital expenditure includes N14.85 trillion (projects) and N4.44trillion (statutory transfers).
Among the states, the heavy spenders are Lagos (N3.005 trillion), Niger (N1.5 trillion), Ogun (N1.0545 trillion), Delta (N979.2 billion), Enugu (N971.8 billion) and Akwa Ibom (N955 billion).
The least spenders include Gombe (N320.11billion), Yobe (320.811 billion), Ekiti (N375.79 billion) Nasarawa (N382.57billion) and Ebonyi (N396.59 billion).
Among the zones, the South-West came tops with N6.202 trillion and the least is North-East with N2.610 trillion.
The others are North-West (N4.382 trillion), North-Central (N4.0265trillion), South-South (without Rivers) has N3.807 trillion, and South-East N3.481 trillion).
As the economic nerve centre of the nation, the N3.005 trillion budget of Lagos surpasses the N2.610 trillion proposed by the six states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe) of the Northeast.
The Lagos figure is about N476 billion less than the entire budgets of the five (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo) South-East states (N3.481 billion)
![[PRESS RELEASE] Governor Adeleke Exercises Prerogatives of Mercy towards 53 Convicts](/media/k2/items/cache/ac5bc3f6521fbe411d3161c7badce378_S.jpg)
In line with the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Ademola Adeleke has exercised prerogative of mercy towards 53 convicts serving various convictions within the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The letter of commutation dated December 24th, 2024 and which has since been received and acknowledged by the relevant prison authorities read as follows:
"WHEREAS: the inmates whose names are set out in the schedule to this order have been convicted to various terms of imprisonment to wit.
(i) Simple offences and have served substantial portions of the sentences,
(ii) Convicts sentenced to death
"(having spent a minimum of 10 years in custody.)
"AND WHEREAS: following the recommendation made to me by the state advisory council on the prerogative of mercy that I should exercise my power in relation to the said inmates in order to mark the 2024 Christmas celebration.
"AND WHEREAS: in the case of the 30 (thirty) inmates convicted of simple offences, I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to remit and forgive the remainder of the said sentences in whole.
"AND WHEREAS: I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to grant outright pardon to 12 (Twelve) inmates convicted of simple offences.
"4 (Four) Convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright pardon. AND WHEREAS: I have decided in accordance with the said recommendation to commute the sentences as follows;
"1 (One) convict has his sentence commuted from death to 15 (Fifteen) years imprisonment.
"6 (Six) Convicts have their sentences commuted from death to outright release.
"Now know ye therefore that, I Senator Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State of Nigeria, in exercise of the power conferred on me by paragraph (a), (c) and (d) of subsection (i) of section 212 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended), I am pleased to extend my grace and mercy unto the said inmates.
"My will and pleasure thereof, is that you commute the death, life and years of imprisonment as indicated herewith in the schedule"
Those in the schedule are as follows:
CONVICTS RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT PARDON (SIMPLE OFFENCES)
1. OLABOMIJI NURUDEEN
2. MUSTAPHA ISAH
3. OLALEKAN ABDULLAHI
4. AYOMIDE OLOJEDE
5. AKEEM RAPHAEL
6. ADEYEMI ABIODUN
7. OLADIPUPO SEGUN
8. OMISAKIN SUNDAY
9. ADEMOLA ADIO
10. TUNDE OLAPADE
11. LATE CHIEF WOLE OLA
RUFUS OJO
12. OMOLOYE OLAJIDE
OLAYEMI
CONVICTS RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT RELEASE (SIMPLE OFFENCES)
1. OLUBO SUNDAY
2. ISAH UMAR BIODUN
3. FAWAS KAREEM
4. OMIRIN TEMITAYO
5. OLARENWAJU AYOMIDE
6. DARE SUNDAY
7. OLADAPO TUNDE
8. GANIYU SAHEED
9. ADEWUMI SODIQ
10. ADEBAYO ADEOYE
KEHINDE
11. LASIS KAZEEM
12. DAUDA OJO (59 YEARS)
13. ISMAILA RAJI
14. OSENI MICHEAL
15. AJAYI KOREDE
16. ABIONA NURUDEEN
17. OSHI SAMUEL
18. SHEU YUSUF OLATUNJI
19. OJO AANU
20. MUSTAPHA KEHINDE
21. LASIS ABEEB
22. ALEXANDRA IORLAHA
23. OJO TAIWO
24. AZEEZ MUJEEB
25. AKINYEMI DAVID
26. ADEOSUN ADEKUNLE
27. OLAOBAJU SAMUEL
28. ADURA ADEFEMI
29. PAUL BASIL
30. KUNLE DAVID
CONVICT RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT PARDON FOR GOOD CONDUCT (CAPITAL OFFENCES) - 4 (FOUR)
1. SUNDAY MORAKINYO
2. SEGUN OLOWOOKERE
3. TUNDE OLAPADE
4. DEMOLA ODEYEMI
CONVICT RECOMMENDED FOR OUTRIGHT RELEASE ON HEALTH GROUND, (CAPITAL OFFENCES) -
1 OLUWAFEMI FAGBEMI
2 BEWAJI SUNDAY
3. AMEHIN GEORGE
4. AYOMIDE ARULOGUN
5. TAIWO OLUWATOBI STEPHEN
6. ABUBAKAR ABDULAZEEZ
CONVICT RECOMMENDED TO BE COMMUTED FROM DEATH TO 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT HAVING SPENT AT LEAST 10
YEARS IN CUSTODY
1. OJEKUNLE TIMOTHY
Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.
The National Bureau of Statistics has earmarked N35m in its 2025 budget proposal for “Capacity Building on Cybersecurity and Data Centre Management.”
This allocation comes at a critical time as the agency grapples with the aftermath of a cyberattack that compromised its website on December 18, 2024.
The breach, which was publicly disclosed via the bureau’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, led to a warning for the public to disregard any information on the platform until the situation is resolved.
This incident has raised significant concerns about the vulnerability of the bureau’s digital infrastructure, especially considering its crucial role as Nigeria’s primary source of statistical data.
In addition to the cybersecurity allocation, the NBS’s 2025 budget proposal includes several other projects aimed at improving its operational efficiency, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery.
For instance, the bureau has allocated N55m for the National Agricultural Sample Survey, N20m for the Compilation of Tourism, Education, Health, and Natural Resources Satellite Accounts, N50m for Tracking the Implementation of the 8-Point Agenda, and N50m for the System of Administrative Statistics Reports.
Other notable allocations include N60m for the National Integrated Survey of Establishment, N45m for Reform and Service Delivery Capacity Building, N35m for SDG Tracking, and N30m for the Revision of the Statistics Act.
Additional allocations of N25m each have been designated for Financial Management Capacity Building and Sustainable Procurement Methods Capacity Building, while N10m has been earmarked for developing capacity in creating infographics and statistical reports.
One of the most significant allocations in the budget is N500m for the Labour Force Survey.
The Compilation of Quarterly GDP by Production, Expenditure, and Income has been allocated N60m.
N15m has been allocated for the Waste Generated Statistics Report in Nigeria, while the NBS Annual Report and Quarterly Progress Reports have been allocated N10m.
Also, N80m has been set aside for the National Consultative Committee on Statistics, an initiative that facilitates collaboration among stakeholders in the national statistical system.
The Annual Abstract of Statistics has received N15m, while the Production of Demographic Statistics Bulletin has been allocated N9m.
N36m has been allocated for the Quarterly Production of Foreign Trade in Goods and Trade Intensity Index, while Producer Price Index Production, which measures changes in the prices of goods and services at the producer level, has been allocated N40m.
Similarly, the Consumer Price Index Production, a critical measure of inflation, has been allocated N80m, reflecting its central role in economic analysis and policymaking.
The bureau’s total expenditure proposed amounts to N9.85bn, with personnel costs constituting the majority of the allocation.
A significant portion of the budget is directed towards personnel costs, which account for N6.65bn.
With the website hack lasting for about a week, this may lead to delay in the release of critical reports by the government agency.
The NBS, a critical government agency responsible for collecting and disseminating statistical data on Nigeria’s economy, governance, and development, plays a pivotal role in informing public policy and decision-making processes.
The cyberattack highlights the increasing vulnerability of government institutions to digital threats.
Earlier, The PUNCH reported that Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is under siege from cybercriminals, with organisations facing an average of 3,759 cyberattacks weekly.
This was according to the latest 2024 African Perspectives on Cyber Security Report by Check Point Software Technologies.
The report paints a grim picture of the country’s vulnerability as it increasingly embraces digitalisation, with critical sectors such as finance, government, and education bearing the brunt of the attacks.
The report noted that government institutions are not spared, with public sector entities experiencing an average of 1,791 attacks weekly.
Ransomware and botnet activities dominate the threats to this sector, which plays a crucial role in managing the nation’s economy.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Monday, addressed newly promoted Nigerian Army major generals at their decoration ceremony
The defence chief reminded the generals of the impact their leadership has on both the armed forces and the nation.
Speaking at the event, Musa urged the officers to maintain dedication to their duties and uphold the highest standards of military excellence.
Drawing from his operational experience alongside many of the promoted officers in various theaters including Mongonuu, Damaturu, and other strategic locations, Musa praised their commitment to service.
Quoting him, “Having reached the peak of your careers, always remember that the Nigerian Army and the armed forces will continue to rely on the leadership and expertise of individuals like you to safeguard our country and its people. Nigeria is looking up to us. We must do everything to defend democracy in Nigeria and across the sub-region.
“As a Chief of Defense, I am proud to witness this momentous occasion which is a testament of your dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“Gentlemen, your promotion is well-deserved recognition of your achievements and a reflection that almost all of you have had one reason or the other to have operated together with you either at the theater, especially Sector 3, Mongonu, Sector 2, Damaturu, Teatr Hekotas, and every other location. And this is a clear indication that there is a reward for hard work.”
Musa added, “It takes men of steel and character for the Armed Forces to succeed and the rank of Major General signifies a high level of responsibility and a deep sense of duty towards the country.
“It is a duty and a task for all of us to perform. We have been dealing with insurgencies, terrorism, banditry for 15, 16 years and still counting and I think it is high time that we dealt with it finally and I know we can do it.
“So I want to call on all of us to put on our thinking caps and make that great sacrifice that 2025 should be a determining year for the armed forces of Nigeria.”
He urged Nigerians to unite in support of the Armed Forces and other security services, saying that the country’s success and progress depended on everyone working together.
Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, stated that as the Army works to achieve national security goals, more accountability will be expected of the promoted senior commanders.
He told the major generals that they have a role to perform and that higher rank entails more responsibility “to whom much is given, much is correspondingly expected.”
“This is a fact that the majority fail to come to terms with until they are forced to do so and the boats will start sailing. So, let me challenge you to start perfecting your post-service life in Levos quietly as to bask in the euphoria of your Promotion. However, you must not let such plans interfere with your jobs in any way to avoid a conflict of interest.
“I congratulate the newly decorated Major Generals and their families on their well-deserved elevation to the enviable rank of two-star General in the General Army.
“I particularly congratulate and appreciate the spouses and immediate family members of these celebrants without whose support and prayers their current achievements may not have been possible,” General Oluyede said.
Dear Fellow Nigerians,
On this joyous Christmas Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to Christians across Nigeria and worldwide as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, as narrated in the Holy Scriptures.
Christmas embodies the fulfilment of divine prophecy and symbolises the triumph of love, peace, and unity. It is a poignant reminder that light can emerge even in the darkest times, bringing solace and hope. This belief resonates with people of all faiths. Indeed, God is with us.
Recent tragic events in Ibadan, Okija, and Abuja deeply sadden us, and our thoughts are with those who continue to suffer from these heartbreaking incidents. We earnestly pray that such misfortunes do not revisit our families and communities and that the lives of innocents are never again cut short.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the families enduring pain and loss this year, whether from floods, fires, or accidents. May we all find comfort and solace in our faith, the support of loved ones, and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ. Our compassionate and merciful God stands with the weak, the brokenhearted, and the sick.
As we celebrate this blessed season, let us be mindful of those facing difficulties. They are not far from us—our neighbours, family members, and the people we encounter daily, whether in places of worship, markets, offices, or boardrooms.
Kindness transcends financial status. Those with modest means and those with abundance need a smile or a word of encouragement.
We must also honour our brave troops, who risk their lives to safeguard our nation. They deserve our prayers and steadfast support.
Let us extend similar support and prayers to our nation's leaders. With your backing, we can serve our country diligently and strive for prosperity.
Nigeria is on a promising path of restoration and progress, with every indication pointing toward a bright future. In the spirit of this season, let us renew our hope and belief in a prosperous Nigeria.
For those travelling during this festive period, I wish you safe journeys. Rest assured, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure our transportation routes are secure and convenient. We also provide free train services and subsidized road transport costs on 144 routes nationwide to ease your travels.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a joyous and prosperous New Year.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
More...
The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has resumed trucking out of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, after a one-week halt in operations.
The refinery had abruptly stopped loading petrol a fortnight ago without providing any explanation, leaving many marketers stranded.
According to sources, the Port Harcourt Refinery Depot was inactive last Thursday, with an empty loading bay and no signs of activity throughout the preceding week.
However, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) had stated that preparations for loading operations were ongoing.
Contrary to earlier reports, it was gathered that the lifting of petrol commenced on Saturday, with 11 trucks loading PMS from the depot.
A visit to the facility on Monday revealed that, although activities had not fully commenced, trucks were seen driving into the 18-arm loading bay from 1:14 pm onwards.
The Guardian observed that the first set of trucks arrived at the Onyema gate, the entrance point for trucks, at around 12:21 pm. The trucks, which were assumed to have been cleared from a designated area, were allowed to proceed to the loading bay.
By 12:26 pm, a total of seven trucks had been cleared and were ready to proceed to the loading bay to lift Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The trucks eventually made their way to the loading bay at around 1:30 pm.
However, despite the resumption of loading operations, activities at the depot remained slow.
By 2 pm, only two trucks had loaded, while six others were still queuing to load. Two trucks had already loaded and left the loading bay, while three others were in the process of loading.
A fire service truck was stationed at the loading bay in case of any fire outbreak. The first truck started lifting petrol at exactly 1:18 pm, and by 4:30 pm, a total of ten trucks had lifted petrol.
Marketers at the depot expressed dissatisfaction with the frequent shutting down of loading operations without explanation.
They also lamented that only three out of the 18 arms in the loading bay were functional, while the others had yet to be calibrated.
One marketer, who identified himself as Liti, stated, “We are not happy over what is happening here. If operations were going on fully here, you would see this place full of trucks, and they can load up to 50 trucks before 6 pm. So, let the government come and help us and make sure the refinery is working well.”
It was also gathered that not all the arms in the loading bay were designated for petrol loading.
Some were meant for loading Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and Automated Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel. However, the refinery has yet to commence production of kerosene and diesel.
The resumption of petrol loading operations at the Port Harcourt Refining Company is expected to alleviate the fuel scarcity in the region.
However, the frequent shutdowns and technical issues at the refinery have raised concerns about the facility’s reliability and efficiency.
![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] Airing Of Presidential Media Chat](/media/k2/items/cache/c037135f9453265ce919c01617f7a37c_XS.jpg)
The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.
All television and radio stations are requested to hook up to the broadcast.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
The Federal Government has officially declared Wednesday, December 25, Thursday, December 26, 2024, and Wednesday, January 1, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year celebrations.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement released on Monday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt greetings to all Nigerians, encouraging them to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the festive season represents.
He urged citizens to use the holiday period to strengthen family bonds and promote harmony within their communities.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
The minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering peace, security, and prosperity across the nation, calling on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their dedication to national progress.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the positive impact of President Bola Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda in ushering in a more prosperous 2025.
The minister concluded by wishing all Nigerians a joyous Christmas and a fulfilling New Year, expressing confidence in a better and thriving economy in the months ahead.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has said that petrol is going to sell at N935 per litre beginning from Monday (today) based on the latest arrangement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
IPMAN’s National President, Maigandi Garima, said the reduction in Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price for petrol and the uniform arrangement being put in place, would enable marketers to sell at N935 in their outlets nationwide, incurring a cost of N36 on logistics.
“Dangote refinery has brought another new arrangement of loading and pricing by which marketers would pay a fixed ex-depot price of N899.50k.
“The refinery is running a programme whereby it wants the fuel consumption across the country to be at the same rate. We are expecting the new arrangement to kick-start on Monday. Previously, the loading price was N970 per litre, but from Monday, petrol prices will drop to N935,” Garima stated.
The association also stated that over 30,000 of its members are set to commence petrol loading from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Port Harcourt Refining Company following the reduction of the ex-depot price of the product to N899 per litre.
This came as it was observed that the pump price of petrol dropped on Sunday to between N950 and N980 per litre in a few filling stations in Lagos including MRS, BOVAS and NNPC. However, the cost was above N1,000 per litre in many other outlets in the state.
But IPMAN promised on Sunday that the price would drop further, as it said the cost of petrol would reduce to N935 per litre in more filling stations by Monday (today) in view of Dangote refinery’s new arrangement.
Similarly, retail outlet owners under the auspices of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria have begun registration with MRS filling station to lift Dangote petrol at N935 per litre.
The IPMAN National Publicity officer, Chinedu Ukadike, and the PETROAN President, Billy Gillis-Harry, disclosed these during separate exclusive interviews with The PUNCH on Sunday.
The development came after intense pricing competition in the nation’s downstream sector, which triggered a price war between NNPCL and Dangote due to a reduction in the ex-depot price to N899 per litre.
On Saturday, the NNPCL, in a surprising development, slashed petrol prices by 12 per cent, to the delight of Nigerians and marketers.
This decision, coming days after the Dangote Refinery reduced its price to N899, was confirmed by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria in a statement on Saturday.
Before now, petrol prices had consistently increased, causing customers to worry that the price hike might be sustained during the festive season.
The reduction in price to N935 in Lagos confirms projections by marketers and was exclusively reported by The PUNCH last Friday.
Providing further updates on the preparations for product lifting, the IPMAN publicity officer stated that marketers are getting ready to start loading petrol at a reduced price, as the national oil company has updated its pricing on the purchase portal.
Ukadike also said that the competition for market share between NNPCL and Dangote is beneficial for Nigerians because, in the end, it will reveal the true cost of PMS production and the expenses incurred in logistics.
According to him, the price war is central to a deregulated oil sector.
He said, “NNPCL has changed their price at their portal. It means that everyone who has access to that portal can be able to request and pay for products. Once you pay, you will called to the depot to pick up your products. Yes, they have changed the price on their portal.”
He continued, “For us, the reduced price remains a welcome development as that is the beauty of a deregulated sector. You know, when there are multiple sources of petroleum products, there will be production and pricing competition. That interplay of pricing has come to the centre stage, and it is now to the advantage of the commuters who wish that this petroleum product will be sold at a lesser price.
“The fight to control market share between NNPCL and Dangote is healthy for Nigerians because, at the end of the day, we would know the actual cost of PMS production and the amount spent on logistics.
“It will also help marketers in our retailing capacity and pick up more volumes. The cost today is very high, and the reduced price will help us pick more volumes. Commuters are no longer taking products the way they used to but with the price decrease, there will be heavy consumption.”
He further noted that marketers will not stick to a single supplier but patronise both refineries based on the location.
Ukadike said, “We would be picking our products from both refineries but the most important thing is the nearness to retail outlets. But Dangote arrangement is via MRS, and NNPCL is helping to load from other depots.”
Regarding a potential price reduction, the IPMAN national officer explained that marketers do not set prices; instead, the factors of demand and supply influence the price, which is why prices vary across the country.
The national officer also assured Nigerians that filling stations owned by its members will be open throughout the festive period and avoid artificial scarcity.
On his part, the PETROAN president said its members are registering with MRS filling to pick up products from its stations as the Dangote and PH refineries haven’t started product disbursement to its members.
He also stressed that a smooth product off-take starting today (Monday) will accelerate the implementation of the price reduction at retail centres nationwide.
He said, “We have not started picking up products from the Port Harcourt refinery, even from the Dangote refinery. But some of our members, out of their magnanimity, are trying to sell at a cheaper price even in Abuja.
“Dangote price mechanism brings value for PETROAN members, and we are partnering with MRS filling station to sell at N935 per litre nationwide. Our members partnering with MRS will do that. The station has opened its valves to accommodate as many members that can work with them. So from this morning (Sunday), we were already up and running on their platform to register our members. It is a wonderful thing that is coming up and we hope NNPCL will also follow suit.
“The economies of scale favour Dangote, but NNPCL is doing its best to flood the country with available products. I think a lot of good things will happen in the sector even till the new year.
“So let’s see how offtake of products will pan out across the country from tomorrow. If the demography of offtake spreads everywhere and we can compute what the logistics costs would be, it will be easy to predict what will happen. But, certainly, when refiners reduce price, and we can buy directly, we will ensure Nigerians benefit, and that is what PETROAN is doing.”
Also, on a potential price drop, the PETROAN official said, “We have mentioned severally that pricing was still going to drop, and that is the trajectory and reality of how this whole thing is going to play out. So gradually, the price will go down and then come down and vary. It’s not going to be static, and that is why I think it’s not right to do an armchair projection.”
Meanwhile, the Dangote Refinery has said it is now operating at 85 per cent capacity and is on course to deliver European-standard products by January.
“We have gone up to 550,000 bpd, that is 85 per cent capacity in crude distillation,” Edwin Devakumar, head of the refinery, said in an interview with CNBC Africa.
The 650,000-bpd Dangote oil refinery built by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote in Lagos aims to compete with European refiners when operating at full capacity but has been struggling to secure sufficient crude locally.