The federal executive council (FEC) has approved N12 billion for the upgrade of critical health infrastructure across teaching hospitals in six states.

Speaking after the FEC meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, said the upgrades are aimed at expanding healthcare access.

Pate said the fund will be used to procure major diagnostic equipment, including three MRI machines and two CT scanners across key tertiary institutions.

The institutions include the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa Ibom; Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta; Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state; Federal Medical Center, Keffi, Nasarawa state; Modibbo Adamawa University Teaching Hospital, Yola; and Federal Teaching Hospital, Kebbi.

The minister said the funds would also support broader infrastructure upgrades to enhance both patient care and medical education in these institutions.

He added that the improved facilities have already started attracting patients from foreign countries.

“Gradually, piece by piece, we are building our health infrastructure in the front end, but also at the higher level in the teaching hospitals,” he said.

“And we know that important things are happening; people are now beginning to come to Nigeria and receive quality healthcare. This is already happening, including people from faraway places like the United Kingdom and the United States.

“So despite what we may want to believe about Nigeria’s healthcare system, there are good things happening; the transformation that the president promised is beginning to happen.

“We need to sustain it, and we are investing, and we will continue to invest in that direction.”

The FEC meeting also saw the ratification of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) treaty in order to integrate Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector into the African market.

The treaty, first adopted by the African Union (AU) in 2019, seeks to harmonise regulatory standards across the continent, ensuring access to safe and high-quality medicines.

Pate commended Tinubu’s leadership, describing the ratification as a “major milestone” in Nigeria’s path to medical self-sufficiency and industrialisation.

“With this treaty, what we produce as part of our value chain expansion will have access to a much wider market,” Pate said.

“This means what is made in Nigeria will, over time, be made in Africa.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs approved by the Federal Government.

The labour union aborted the planned rally scheduled for Tuesday (today) following a meeting with government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, on Monday.

The telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, had defended the 50 per cent tariff increase, citing rising operational costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and higher energy expenses.

In a statement, the regulator said the adjustment was in line with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 to ensure the financial sustainability of the telecom sector.

However, the NLC rejected the tariff hike and demanded a reduction to five per cent, threatening a nationwide protest if its demands were not met.

It condemned the hike as insensitive and unjustifiable, arguing that it would impose an extra burden on Nigerian consumers.

 The union’s president, Joe Ajaero, reiterated its demand for a significant reduction after the National Administrative Council meeting of the NLC.

He said, “After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejects the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens. It, therefore, strongly condemns the Nigerian Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase.”

“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already suffering under worsening economic hardship caused by government policies beyond their control.”

The union called on Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in protest against the increase.

Despite the union’s pressure, telecom operators remained firm that the current adjustment was necessary to maintain service quality and support network expansion in an increasingly challenging economic environment.

They ruled out negotiations with organised labour on the tariff increase, insisting that no reduction would be made despite the labour threat.

The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, argued that the approved increase is vital to sustaining telecom operations amid escalating costs.

“This increase is a lifeline that enables us to survive. Anything lower would be like giving someone who needs 100 litres of oxygen only a fraction—barely enough to keep them alive but insufficient for long-term survival,” he asserted.

To ensure maximum impact, the NLC mobilised the electricity, aviation workers and civil society groups for the protest.

However, following the Monday meeting, the NLC resolved to halt the demonstration pending further discussions.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, NLC President, Ajaero, said the government had agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure.

According to him, the committee will be composed of five representatives from both sides and is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.

Ajaero stated, “We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand. On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.

“So, the committee will be made up of five representatives, from both sides and expected to come out with a result after two weeks. That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement.’’

He added that the union’s next steps, including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, would depend on the outcome of the committee’s work.

“The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow (today) will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee. The outcome of such a 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 we put online,” he explained.

While the planned symbolic submission of protest letters had been put on hold, Ajaero noted that the NLC remains concerned about other pressing economic issues, including electricity tariffs and burdensome taxes on workers.

“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime, which is killing workers. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed,” the labour leader said.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the NCC raised the tariff following a study.

He stated that the NLC agreed to look at the study to come up with its resolutions, adding that a committee of five representatives each from both sides had been instituted.

The minister said, “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 per cent increase. Now, we are discussing this with Labour.

“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.

“So, the summary of it is that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the delegation of the Federal Government have set up a committee of five each.

“We are 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 we will give to the government and the organised Labour for final consideration.

“Both the organised Labour, the NLC particularly, and the government people have sat down here and have agreed on this position.

“So, there won’t be any protest tomorrow (today) by the Nigeria 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.”

Meanwhile, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, which had initially supported the protest, also announced on Monday the suspension following a high-level meeting with the NCC.

The council, which represents over 600 affiliate organisations, had previously condemned the tariff hike and planned a mass protest to occupy the headquarters of the NCC and the National Assembly.

However, after extensive deliberations and a forensic review of the economic realities facing telecom service providers, the Council reversed its stance.

The NCSCN assembled an 11-man delegation for a four-hour meeting with NCC officials.

According to NCSCN Executive Director Blessing Akinlosotu, the council’s delegation initially approached the meeting prepared for a showdown, expecting to challenge the NCC on the tariff decision.

However, detailed presentations, economic assessments and operational data provided during the meeting led to a re-evaluation of the situation.

To ensure an objective assessment, the council formed a five-man technical committee to conduct a forensic analysis of telecom service providers’ operational costs, financial statements and annual profit margins.

Akinlosotu said, “After the tensed and robust engagement with the Management of NCC, we further set up a 5-Man Technical Committee to carefully study documents presented to us, and asked the Committee to do clinical and forensic examination of available records of operational costs and annual profits margins of some major Telecom Service Providers in Nigeria, with critical assessments of Financial Statements.

“Our findings were very interesting and calls for serious review of position and planned line of action.”

The committee’s findings revealed that telecom operators had not increased tariffs since 2013 despite inflation and harsh economic conditions.

The cost of electricity and diesel has risen sharply, significantly impacting network operations.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to pay N1.12bn in compensation to the family of one Mike Madu, killed by an INEC driver in Imo State.

Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment on Friday, ordered INEC to pay the N1.12bn with 10 per cent interest per annum from the date of judgment until the final or full payment is made.

In addition, the judge ordered  INEC, its Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, and other defendants to send a letter of condolence to the late Madu’s family.

“An order is hereby made for the defendants to pay the cost of prosecuting this action. This shall be the judgment of this court,” Justice Ekwo added.

The plaintiff, Augustine Madu, filed the suit on behalf of the Umudurugwu, Umuokwe, Awo-Omamma community in Oru-East Local Government Area of Imo State.

The amended writ of summons, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1074/2019, listed INEC, its Chairman, the INEC Commissioner in Abuja, and an INEC escort driver, Hassan Abdul, as the first to fourth defendants, respectively.

Augustine filed the suit on September 18, 2019, seeking four reliefs, including an order for the defendants to pay N1.12bn in compensation to Madu’s family for the unlawful termination of his life.

In his statement of claim, Augustine described his deceased brother, Mike Madu, as a successful businessman born on June 9, 1970, to the late John and Chioma Madu in Awo-Omamma, Imo State.

He said Abdul, an INEC staff member and driver under the office of the national commissioner, was responsible for the fatal accident that claimed Mike’s life on June 16, 2019.

On September 10, 2019, the deceased’s family resolved to take legal action against the defendants.

Augustine noted that his brother frequently travelled between China and Nigeria, often accompanying Chinese investors to facilitate business opportunities.

On one such trip, Mike was escorting two Chinese investors to explore investment prospects in the Enugu State Free Trade Zone.

During their journey on the Itobe-Anyigba Expressway in Kogi State, their Lexus car, driven by Ega Chukwudi of Auto Star Transport Company, collided with a Toyota V8 Land Cruiser Jeep driven by the fourth defendant, Hassan Abdul.

The Toyota, occupied by Abdul and a police escort, Sgt. Usman Abdullahi, lost control, swerved into the opposite lane, and crashed into the Lexus in a head-on collision.

The Land Cruiser then somersaulted into a bush and caught fire, while the Lexus sustained heavy damage.

Mike sustained severe injuries and died, along with one of the Chinese investors, Huang Hia Yan.

The victims were taken to Holley Memorial Hospital in Ochadamu Village for medical attention, while the deceased were later transferred to Kogi State Specialist Hospital Mortuary.

 The surviving Chinese investor, Qu Xin Dong, was admitted to the same hospital, while Chukwudi, the Lexus driver, was treated at Enugu State Orthopaedic Hospital. Abdul and his police escort received treatment at Holley Memorial Hospital.

A police report dated July 16, 2019, concluded that Abdul’s reckless speeding was the cause of the accident.

On July 10, 2019, the Kogi State Chief Magistrate Court ordered a post-mortem examination of the deceased. The plaintiff later obtained a warrant to bury his brother and the deceased investor.

Augustine lamented that throughout this period, INEC and its officials showed no concern or remorse for causing Mike’s death.

He emphasized that his late brother was not only the breadwinner of his immediate and extended family but also provided for his Chinese wife, Xiaojuan Li, and their son.

He further stated that Mike’s untimely death had left his family in distress, especially his wife and child in China, and that INEC had willfully refused to offer any compensation.

During the trial, the plaintiff presented two witnesses, including Josephine Emumwen, an officer in the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command.

 Augustine testified as the first witness, adopting his written statement on June 14, 2023.

Although he was recalled for cross-examination on November 16, 2023, the defendants failed to appear in court.

Justice Ekwo, ruling in favor of the plaintiff, upheld the claims and awarded the compensation.

Embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has urged the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to bar the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from calling additional witnesses after 10 had testified in his ongoing procurement fraud trial.

Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), contended that since EFCC listed only 10 witnesses in the proof of evidence it filed in court, it should not be allowed to call additional witnesses.

But the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the application, asserting that further testimonies were necessary to ensure a fair and thorough presentation of the case.

Oyedepo argued that denying the agency the ability to call additional witnesses would infringe on their right to a fair hearing. 

After taking arguments from sides on Monday, Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned till March 20 for ruling.

Emefiele is facing 20 counts, bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery and conspiracy in the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023.

He was also accused of using his position as CBN governor to confer unfair and corrupt advantages on two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

However, during Monday’s proceedings, EFCC’s 10th witness, Salawu Gana, said the award of contract to  April 1616 for the procurement of vehicles for the CBN adhered to procurement laws and the CBN guidelines.

Fielding questions during cross-examination by Emefiele’s lawyer, Gana said the CBN’s Procurement Department evaluated the quotations submitted by the bidders, vetted the submissions, and resolved to award the contract to April 1616 because its quotation was the lowest.

He added that Emefiele only approved the contract award based on the recommendations of the CBN Tenders Board.

The witness also confirmed that the vehicles were supplied, and the company, April 1616, was paid based on the recommendations of the board to Emefiele for approval.

Gana, who was the Head of the Procurement Unit at the time, stressed that Emefiele was not a member of the CBN Tenders Board.

He admitted that neither he nor the five procurement officers who recommended April 1616 for the award had been charged by the EFCC.

Gana also said he had not seen any evidence or document showing that money was paid from April 1616’s bank account to Emefiele.

He confirmed that, according to the company’s registration certificate, Emefiele was not a director, shareholder, or signatory to April 1616’s bank account.

Gana further testified that Emefiele did not direct or influence him, either through phone calls or SMS, to favour April 1616 in the procurement process, adding that he reported directly to his supervisor, Mr Ekanem Akpan, and not to Emefiele.

The EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), presented bundles of exhibits related to the bidding processes for 45 different contracts for vehicle supplies to the CBN by April 1616, RT Briscoe, and Globe Motors.

During his evidence-in-chief, Gana reiterated that April 1616 was awarded the contracts because it submitted the lowest quotations.

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.

It is a profound privilege to be engaged in this esteemed profession. It is essential to recognize that, as an educator, your role extends beyond mere instruction; you are instrumental in shaping the future of a nation through your teaching. Your lessons should transcend conventional experiences, ensuring that each session leaves a lasting impression on your students. In my view, cultivating a growth mindset among teachers should be approached with genuine commitment and instinctive understanding.

What constitutes a growth mindset? A fitting definition, as provided by IGl Global of Timely Knowledge, describes it as "the belief that a person's talent and abilities can be improved upon with consistent, sustained, and targeted effort."

How can we cultivate a growth mindset? There are numerous strategies for educators to enhance their mindset. Primarily, it involves establishing high expectations, fostering curiosity, selecting diverse tasks, and actively seeking feedback. Additionally, persistence and a strong desire for learning are essential. Dr. Carol S. Dweck's groundbreaking research on the growth mindset has significantly transformed the educational landscape. Her findings, published online on November 28, 2007, in "The Secret to Raising Smart Kids" by Scientific American, emphasize that teaching individuals to adopt a growth mindset—prioritizing effort over innate intelligence or talent—can lead to greater success both academically and in life.

Embrace a growth mindset that resonates with you. Foster a learning environment within your classroom. You hold the authority in your class; it is unnecessary to explicitly state this to your students. Your actions and responses will speak volumes. Nurture this role diligently. Engage your students positively, maintain an open mind, and involve them in decision-making processes. Acknowledge their humanity and allow them to make choices regarding their learning environment. However, it is crucial to address any instances of indiscipline promptly. I am confident that your influence will leave a lasting impression on their life journeys. Continuously enrich your knowledge and consistently adopt a growth mindset. Strive to be the best version of yourself. Your potential as an educator is recognized globally. Cultivate the ability to learn and relearn, enhancing your intellectual capacity while delivering your lessons.

President Bola Tinubu has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a suit that is seeking to compel the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against him over alleged rights violations.

The plaintiff, in his suit that has the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, as the 2nd defendant, is seeking six principal reliefs from the court.

He urged the court to declare that alleged persistent suppression of peaceful protests organised by Nigerian citizens, by the President Tinubu-led administration, amounts to an impeachable offence.

For instance, the plaintiff alleged that the government had, between August 1 and 10, 2024, violently clamped down on peaceful protesters across the federation, an action he argued constituted misconduct and a ground for Tinubu’s impeachment from office.

The plaintiff maintained that section 143 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowered the NASS to set machinery in motion for President Tinubu’s impeachment.

However, in a joint preliminary objection they filed against the suit, both President Tinubu and the AGF queried the locus standi (legal right) of the plaintiff to institute the action.

Aside from praying the court to dismiss the suit for being incompetent, the defendants insisted that the action failed to disclose any reasonable cause of action to warrant an exercise of judicial discretion in his favour.

In the process, they filed through a team of lawyers led by Mr. Sanusi Musa, SAN; President Tinubu; and AGF further challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

More so, the defendants applied for “an order striking out this suit for being incompetent as this suit is not initiated by due process of law having been initiated under a wrong procedure.”

Adducin 18 reasons why the case should be terminated, President Tinubu and the AGF argued that the plaintiff filed the action on behalf of faceless citizens, noting that he did not disclose the persons whose rights were allegedly violated.

The defendants argued that by the provision of Section 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, only the person whose right was breached has the right to file an action before the court to seek redress.

According to the defendants, “Pursuant to the provision of Section 46 (3), the Chief Justice of Nigeria has {brought into being the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009, which makes ample provision of the procedure to follow in filing an action with respect to a breach of the Fundamental Rights of any Nigerian.”

They argued that the plaintiff’s questions two and three for determination were in respect of the alleged breach of the 1999 Constitution by the 1st defendant (President Tinubu) vis-a-vis Section 143 of the said constitution.

The defendants maintained that the plaintiff failed to disclose any of his rights that were breached.

Likewise, in a counter affidavit that was deposed to one Gbemga Oladimeji, a principal state counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice, he averred that contrary to the plaintiff’s claim, the President Tinubu-led government has been a promoter of democratic tenets.

He averred that the president had always allowed people to air their grievances and conduct peaceful protests.

“I know for a fact that the protest conducted between 1st August 2024 and 10th August 2024 was peaceful, as there was a court order limiting the protesters to demonstrate within a confined location,” he added.

The deponent added that during the protest, security agents under the control of the president were present to protect the protesters and ensure that their civil action was not hijacked by hoodlums.

“I know as a fact that the 1st defendant has always ensured that law and order are adhered to strictly by the security agencies and institutions of the arm of government.

“Contrary to the deposition in paragraph 26 of the Affidavit in support of the Originating Summons, I know as a fact that the 1st defendant has not violated any provision of his oath of office and allegiance.

“There has been no breach on his part that would warrant his impeachment from office as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he further averred.

Meanwhile, Justice James Omotosho, on Monday, adjourned the case till March 4 to enable the counsel representing the plaintiff, Mr. Stanley Okonmah, to respond to the preliminary objection by President Tinubu and the AGF.

Four persons were reported killed on Sunday night in Rimin Auzinawa, Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano State, following a clash between residents of the area and security operatives during a demolition.

Our correspondent learnt that the victims were allegedly shot dead when security personnel opened fire after residents resisted the destruction of their buildings.

The team,  according to a witness, promptly began demolishing properties, which was met with stiff resistance from residents of the community.

“In the ensuing chaos, security operatives allegedly opened fire, killing two people on the spot, while two others were rushed to the hospital, where they were subsequently pronounced dead,” he said.

Another eyewitness told PUNCH Metro operatives of the Kano Urban Planning and Development Authority had previously marked the affected buildings, mostly residential buildings under construction, for demolition.

The affected buildings were said to be about 40, while the disputed land belongs to the Bayero University, Kano.

A resident affected by the demolition who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent in a telephone interview on Monday, that the KNUPDA had initially cleared the properties, confirming they were not within the university’s land.

“We resolved all issues with KNUPDA. They assured us that our properties were not within the BUK land. But on Sunday night, officials of KNUPDA and security operatives arrived and demolished the buildings.

“When people resisted, security forces opened fire, killing four individuals who have now been buried. It’s a tragic situation,” the source said.

Efforts to obtain an official response from KNUPDA were unsuccessful, as efforts to contact the agency’s Managing Director proved abortive as his mobile phone was not switched off.

Meanwhile, the KNUPDA office had been deserted while most of the officials were alleged to have gone into hiding for fear of being attacked by the aggrieved residents of the area.

When contacted the Public Relations Officer of Kano State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the incident.

He, however, directed our correspondent to contact the PRO of the state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps “as they have the casualty on their side.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Kano Command, Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, adding that security personnel, including their officials, were deployed to the area to protect government property but were confronted with hostility.

“We went there to provide security and safeguard government properties. However, the residents attacked our personnel, injured one of our officers, and damaged our vehicles,” Abdullahi said.

When contacted, the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning confirmed that the said lands in dispute belonged to the Bayero University but declined further comments.

Sources at the ministry revealed that the government would soon make its position known on the matter.

The loading cost of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) at private depots dropped to N925 per litre on Monday.

The amount was a difference of N27 from N952 offered by the highest-selling depot last Friday.

Marketers said this reduction was influenced by the decision by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to reduce its ex-depot price of PMS, from N950 to N890 per litre, effective from Saturday.

This development came at a huge cost to many petroleum marketers who bought products at higher costs.

It was learned that some marketers who bought the product a few hours before the announcement would be forced to sell below the cost, incurring debts running into millions of naira.

Meanwhile, data obtained by our correspondent analysing petrol price movements at loading depots showed that there was a significant price drop across all depots although this is yet to impact the retail cost of petrol.

Nipco Depot reduced its selling price to N935 from N952 per litre last Friday. Chipet reduced its loading price to N935 per litre from N945 last Friday. Also, Aiteo slashed its costs to N925 from N942.

Wosbab Depot reduced its price to N930 from N947, while Rain Oil Depot made a similar change to N935 from the N947 that it sold a litre of petrol last Friday.

In Warri, Matrix reduced its price to N960 from N970 per litre. AYM Shafa sold at N960 from N970.

Zone 4 depot in Calabar reduced its price by N8 to N950 from N958 per litre. Alkanes sold at N949 and Northwest sold at N950.

Reacting, an oil and gas expert, Olatide Jeremiah said the price drop was expected.

He said, “Dangote refinery’s reduction of petrol to 890 has influenced private depots and importers to immediately review their fuel price downwards. His capacity in Refining and gantry loading has earned him the market leader in the downstream sector. The era of hoarding and price manipulation is gone. The market share war has forced all players to sit up, thus, it should start reflecting through reduction of fuel at the pump.”

He further called on the regulatory authority to completely regulate filling stations, so the constant price reduction at the depot would reflect at the pump immediately.