Over 100 property owners in Lafiaji community, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, are planning legal action against the Federal Government as they are being issued demolition notices to evacuate their properties for the Lagos- Calabar Highway construction.

This was made known in a statement titled, ‘Being the text of a press conference addressed by Property Owners and Residents of Lafiaji Community, Eti Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State on the distortion in the construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway by arbitrary deviation from the long-established right of way by the Hon. Minister Of Works and the threatened unlawful demolition of their property at Lafiaji Community, Eti Osa Local Government Area, Lagos State,’ on Tuesday.

The property owners accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of altering the original right of way to shield prominent politicians.

In the statement, they claimed that they followed due process in acquiring their lands, adding that in the acquisitions of their plots of land and in building their property, they were well informed about the Right of Way, clearly marked, beaconed, and established for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and, therefore, ensured that they did not encroach on or trespass to the established Right of Way.

The statement read in part, “In the acquisition of our plots of land and development of our respective homes and property, we obtained requisite consents of the Lagos State Government to our deeds of assignments, had our respective survey plans hewed from the approved Ojomu Family Layout Plan, and obtained all the necessary building approvals and development permits from the relevant agencies of the Lagos State Government.

“However, there are those who, overtime, have built on the said Right of Way and constructed huge estates crisscrossing same in the illusion that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway would never be built, without any valid legal title to the land on which they built; or with government officials-assisted fabricated certificates of occupancy with embossed survey-plans (the area coordinates of which truly are that of lands adjacent and proximate to the Right of Way, but which are passed off as that of lands situated within or covered by the Right of Way, to obtain certificates of occupancy). These persons also either did not obtain valid building approvals and development permits from the relevant agencies of the Lagos State Government or were assisted by corrupt officials of government to obtain doctored documents.

“As an outcome of the recent visit of the Honourable Minister of Works and Federal Controller of Works to the communities affected by the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, especially regarding compliance with the enforcement of the Right of Way, valuation of affected landed property, service of removal and demolition notices, and compensation, the Honourable Minister of Works and the Federal Controller of Works decided to deviate from the scrupulous implementation of the Right of way by specifically directing surveyors of the Federal Government of Nigeria (Ministry of Works) on the project to establish a fresh Right of Way, create a new alignment and  alter the road-course  into the area where our clients’ plots of lands and houses are situate, an area which was not covered by the long established Right of Way.”

The project, designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passes through the coastal states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Cross River.

It is crucial for enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities along Nigeria’s coastal region and is expected to cost N4bn per kilometre, with the government awarding contracts for two sections of less than 100km at a total cost of N2.46tn.

But the coastal highway has been a subject of public scrutiny and controversies since the government commenced construction in March.

In May, Umahi disclosed that 750 houses on the path of the highway had been marked for demolition but owners of affected property were displeased with the government compensation, claiming it did not match their investments.

According to them, the compensation is grossly inadequate and there is the need for the government to review the payment.

The founder of Leisure Games, Olanrewaju Ojo, who got N1.3m compensation, told The PUNCH that the amount was what he could generate in a week.

He said, “This is ridiculous! What am I supposed to do with this? I will make this in a week.”

Stakeholders and experts also condemned the road procurement process, stressing that the contract awarded to the construction company was shrouded in secrecy and bypassed the proper procurement process.

The Lafiaji community residents noted that they wrote protest letters to President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, amongst other public officers, to seek redress.

“Surprisingly, our relief was short-lived as the officials of the Federal Ministry of Works subsequently resumed in our community to mark our buildings afresh, and to inform us that our property and homes are still very much within the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway course and that the new alignment had not been jettisoned as far as our lands and property were concerned.”

Petrified, they stated that they immediately embarked on an investigation, visiting the Lagos State Lands Bureau, Lagos State Office of the Surveyor-General, and the Federal Ministry of Works, Lagos.

They posited, “We have discovered to our chagrin that the Honourable Minister of Works has disregarded and rebuffed the clear directive of the President of Nigeria, as far as our lands in the Lafiaji Area is concerned. From our findings, we make bold to say that the Honourable Minister of Works has an improper and less than patriotic reasons for arbitrarily directing a departure from the long-established Right of Way for the construction of the Coastal Highway, in the Lafiaji Area.

“This is the reason, from our findings, the minister has found it difficult to follow the presidential directive in the Lafiaji Area. We discovered that amongst some huge housing estates that allegedly have sprung up illicitly on the long-established Right of Way are Ocean Bay Estate and others. The developers of these estates and some of the owners-occupiers of buildings therein are alleged to have strong political connections, ethnic ties, and social links with the powers that be.

“Therefore, the Minister of Works, in an unabashed display of nepotism, as alleged, “ruled” that the property and buildings in these estates are too valuable to be demolished, and that demolishing them would attract huge compensation from the Federal Government. In consequence, it is being alleged that the Minister of Works directed that the Right of Way be altered away from the established path and the said estates and that this new alignment be made through our lands which were never established as the original Right of Way.” 

They asserted that after deciding to alter the Right of Way, the Minister of Works found a pretext for their actions by labeling their property as shanties to create the false impression that they were unlawful settlers and illegal occupiers.

“It is our considered but firm position that the decision of the Minister of Works to change the Right of Way and, therefore, the course of the Highway is an abuse of power and unlawful exercise of ministerial discretion. The Minister has no latitude of executive prerogatives to do what he has directed should be done. We dare say that, after the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has specifically directed a reversion to the old, long-established Right of Way, the adamancy of the Minister amounts to an act of ministerial lawlessness!

“As a result of the action of the Minister of Works, we are now being confronted with the prospect of being rendered homeless. The landed properties affected are not just realty investments but also the homes of many of us. Some of us currently are overseas and, therefore, are in no position to vacate and yield up possession of our property for demolition within the unreasonable time we were unconscionably given to flee our abodes.

“We appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the Minister of Works to order and direct him to abandon his whimsical and capricious new alignment for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway at Lafiaji, Eti Osa Local Government Area, and revert to the original long-established Right of Way, as the President had earlier directed.”

The Federal Government had in June said it had rerouted the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway path to avoid any possible damage to subsea cables belonging to telecommunication companies.

The government also said it had reduced the project’s size from 10 lanes to six as a cost-saving measure for the legacy project.

Umahi, who made the announcements at a meeting with contractors on Tuesday in Abuja, also said the government had disbursed a total sum of N10bn as compensation to property owners affected by the demolition necessary for the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. 

This was as it announced that the first 47km of the project would be open to the public by May of next year.

The legal practitioner representing the community, Jiti Ogunye, said there were so many obstacles involved in proceeding to court on the part of prospective litigants because of the need to reform the judicial process.

He said, “The rules of court are one of the major obstacles, and our courts are congested because our justice dispensation infrastructure is small. However, we want to give it the best shot we can give it because right and morality are on our side, and if we fail, it will not be that we did not try but the system is hostile to success.

“Hence, if we are left with no other choice and if push goes to shove, we will go to court.”

A resident, Bonojo Olalekan, said over 100 property owners were affected by the rerouting.

In a brief call with the Federal Comptroller with the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Keisha, she referred our correspondent back to the Honorable Minister of Works.

She retorted, “I said you should go to the Honorable Minister.”

Also, several attempts to reach the Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Works, Orji Uchenna Orji, through calls and texts were not responded to.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Environment has announced a 21-day public display of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

This was disclosed on the agency’s website on Tuesday.

It stated, “Public display exercise on the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Section 1 (0km – 47.5km) By Federal Ministry Of Works.

“Following the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act CAP E12 LFN 2004, which makes it mandatory for proponents of all new major developmental activities to carry out EIA for their proposed projects, the Federal Ministry of Environment hereby announces twenty-one (21) working days public display for information and comments on the draft ESIA report for the above-stated project submitted by Federal Ministry of Works.

“This display is to enable the public to make inputs that shall facilitate informed decision taking by the Ministry on the proposed project.”

The report noted that the project required an ESIA due to the potential environmental and social impacts associated with its construction to comply with international standards and Nigerian regulations.

“The ESIA is a crucial tool for identifying, assessing, and mitigating the potential negative impacts of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project while maximising its benefits. Alongside the ESIA is the preparation of a Resettlement Action Plan for the Highway. A Resettlement Action Plan is essential for a highway due to the potential for involuntary resettlement.

“The ESIA aims to ensure the project is developed and implemented sustainably, protecting the environment and benefiting the local community. The primary goal of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is to identify, assess, and mitigate potential negative impacts on the environment and society.”

The report further noted that the highway was a significant infrastructural development spanning over 700km and divided into nine sections.

It added, “Work will begin with Section 1, which spans from 0km to 47.5km in Lagos. Section 1 includes development activities related to transportation, coastal resort facilities, hotels, and recreational facilities in national parks and marine parks.

“The project’s impact assessment has a phased approach to demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social considerations. This ESIA report specifically focuses on Section 1, providing a foundation for subsequent sections. The ESIA evaluates the environmental and social impact of a plan, policy, program, or project before deciding to proceed with the proposed action.

“It covers various aspects, including the environment’s physical, biological, socio-economic, and health elements. The ESIA will describe project activities and identify potential impacts on air, water, soil, vegetation, wildlife, land use, and affected individuals and assets.”

French Ligue 1 Champions, Paris Saint-Germain, are preparing a final bid for Napoli and Super Eagles striker, Victor James Osimhen.

Luis Enrique’s side, alongside Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea, have been two powerhouses that have been linked with signing the former LOSC Lille man, but Napoli have not been budging during negotiations, as they’re keen on receiving nothing less than Osimhen’s €130m release clause.

Recall that Napoli had agreed to a £55m deal with Saudi Pro League side, Al Ahli, for Osimhen, but the 25-year-old rejected the offer, with his agent, Roberto Calenda, coming out to say the Nigerian still has a lot to offer in Europe.

As per Caught Offside, Luis Enrique has finally considered the option of bringing Osimhen to the Parc des Prince, with Goncalo Ramos’ opening-day injury forcing them back into the market.

According to a recent report from Gianluca Di Marzio, the French giants are preparing to make Napoli a take-it-or-leave-it offer worth between £42 – £50 million (€50 – €60 million), after seeing how little it took Conte’s side to agree on a deal with Al Ahli.

PSG’s offer is way below what Napoli want, and the offer will most likely be rejected, although the player has already agreed to personal terms with Le Parisien.

Since arriving in Naples in 2020, Osimhen, whose contract expires in the summer of 2028, has scored 76 goals and registered 18 assists in 133 games in all competitions, winning the Scudetto in the 2022/2023 season.

New head coach Bruno Labbadia has confirmed a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Rwanda.

Nigeria will first face the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September, before travelling to Kigali to take on the Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, 10th September.

For these fixtures, Labbadia has selected three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards. Notable inclusions are Orlando Pirates defender Olisah Ndah, former Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, and Taiwo Awoniyi.

William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Ola Aina, who missed out under Finidi George due to injuries sustained during the AFCON tournament, have been recalled to the squad.

AFCON 2023 hero Stanley Nwabali, alongside Udinese FC’s Maduka Okoye and Obasogie, will compete for the number one goalkeeper spot.

The players are expected to assemble in Uyo on Monday, 2nd September, in preparation for these crucial matches.

Here is the full squad list

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance FC)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)

Former Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen striker Bruno Labbadia has been named the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

The German-Italian tactician brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and as a manager, to a nation brimming with football talent but yearning for global success.

But who is Bruno Labbadia, and what can Nigerians expect from him? Here’s a deep look into ten key things you need to know about the man now charged with leading Nigeria to new heights.

1. A Prolific Striker in His Playing Days

Bruno Labbadia’s name might not resonate as loudly as some of the world’s top strikers, but his record speaks for itself.

Across a storied playing career in Germany, Labbadia netted 229 goals in 599 appearances.

His best seasons saw him score prolifically for clubs like Arminia Bielefeld and Bayern Munich, with standout campaigns including 29 goals for Bielefeld in 1998-99 and 21 goals for Darmstadt 98 in 1986-87.

This goal-scoring nous could hint at an attacking philosophy that might excite Nigerian fans eager to see their team play with flair and purpose.

2. Tactical Flexibility and Pragmatism

Labbadia has built a reputation as a manager who can adapt his tactics to suit the strengths of his squad.

Whether leading a team to survival in a relegation battle or pushing for European qualification, Labbadia has shown he can be both pragmatic and flexible. His stints with clubs like VfB Stuttgart and VfL Wolfsburg showcased his ability to shift between different formations and playing styles.

Nigerian fans can expect a coach who will tailor his approach to maximise the potential of the Super Eagles’ diverse talent pool.

3. Success at Top-Tier Clubs

Labbadia’s managerial career has seen him take charge of some of Germany’s most storied clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, Hamburger SV, and VfL Wolfsburg.

Interestingly, he led Stuttgart to a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga and a spot in the UEFA Europa League.

While he has faced challenges, Labbadia’s ability to guide teams through difficult periods and achieve respectable finishes speaks to his competence at the highest levels of the game.

4. The Relegation Specialist

If there’s one label that sticks with Labbadia, it’s that of a “relegation specialist.”

On multiple occasions, he has been brought in to save clubs from the brink of relegation — a task he has completed with remarkable consistency.

Whether it was rescuing Hamburg in 2015 or leading Wolfsburg to safety in 2018, Labbadia has shown he can steady the ship in turbulent waters.

Nigeria might not be in a relegation battle, but the former African champions are far from being in a great place in the World Cup qualifiers.

Labbadia’s experience, therefore, in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable in the cutthroat world of African football.

5. Italian Roots, German Discipline

Born to Italian parents who migrated to Germany as Gastarbeiter (guest workers), Labbadia’s heritage combines the passion and flair of Italian football with the discipline and efficiency of the German game.

This unique blend of influences is reflected in his managerial style — a mix of tactical rigidity and creative freedom.

For a Nigerian team that often struggles to balance structure with spontaneity, Labbadia could be the perfect fit.

6. A Connection to Youth Development

Throughout his managerial career, Labbadia has shown a willingness to trust and develop young talent.

At VfL Wolfsburg, he played a crucial role in the development of players like Josip Brekalo and John Brooks.

His ability to nurture and integrate young players into the first team could be a boon for Nigeria, a nation with an ever-growing pool of young, talented footballers eager to make their mark on the global stage.

7. A Record of Mixed Results

While Labbadia’s managerial career has had its highs, it’s also seen its share of lows.

He has been sacked multiple times, most recently from VfB Stuttgart after a poor run of results.

However, his ability to bounce back from setbacks and land jobs at other top clubs speaks to his resilience and the respect he commands within the footballing community.

Nigerian fans should be prepared for a coach who is not afraid to take risks but who also understands the demands of managing at the top level.

8. A Focus on Defensive Organization

One of the hallmarks of Labbadia’s teams is their defensive organization.

He often emphasises a solid defensive structure as the foundation for success. While this might not always lead to the most thrilling football, it has proven effective in grinding out results.

For a Nigerian team that has sometimes struggled with defensive consistency, Labbadia’s emphasis on organisation at the back could be exactly what’s needed to turn the Super Eagles into a formidable force.

9. A New Chapter in African Football

Labbadia’s appointment as the head coach of Nigeria represents a significant chapter for him.

This is the first time the 58-year-old gaffer will be taking up a coaching job outside of Germany. It even becomes more challenging as he is arriving in African football for the first time. There is no cause for alarm, though.

European coaches have had varying degrees of success on the continent, and Labbadia will be keen to make his mark by leading Nigeria to continental and possibly global glory.

His journey from the Bundesliga to Africa’s biggest footballing stage is one filled with potential, challenges, and the promise of success.

10. Labbadia’s first hurdles

With Labbadia’s appointment being with immediate effect, the German gaffer will be in charge when Nigeria begin their qualifying campaign for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next month.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face the Benin Republic on September 7 before trading tackles with Rwanda three days later.

Labbadia’s first task will be to name a 23-man squad for those engagements over the coming hours and set a strategy in motion to guide Nigeria to positive results.

How the former FC Koln coach navigates the September hurdles will be a pointer to how he will be perceived in the Nigerian football space.

Cristiano Ronaldo said he might end his illustrious football career at Al Nassr, noting that the Saudi Pro League side will “probably” be his last club before retirement.

Recall that Cristiano Ronaldo made the move to Al Nassr in January 2023 after leaving Manchester United.

Earlier this summer, there were speculations that the 39-year-old Portugal international could retire at his childhood club, Sporting Lisbon, but with his latest assertion, that might not happen.

In an interview with Portuguese TV channel Now, Ronaldo said, “I don’t know if I will retire soon, in two or three years, but probably I will retire here at Al Nassr.

“I’m happy at this club; I feel good in this country, too. I’m happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue.”

Having netted 898 career goals, including 130 for Portugal, Ronaldo has expressed his desire to continue his international career, stressing that his involvement with the national team remains a priority.

“When I leave the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance and it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part, but also a very well thought-out one,” he said.

“Right now what I want is to be able to help the national team in their upcoming matches.

“We have the Nations League ahead of us and I would really like to play.”

This means that Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be invited to Portugal’s games against Croatia on September 5 and against Scotland on September 8.

Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to receive a special award from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin in recognition of his remarkable feats in the Champions League.

With an impressive record of 140 goals in 183 appearances, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner holds the record of being the competition’s all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing notable talents like Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.

Note that Ronaldo’s extensive trophy cabinet includes five Champions League titles, one with Manchester United and four with Real Madrid.

Many filling stations operated by independent oil marketers have now fixed the pump prices of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, at between N900 and N1,000/litre.

Owners of these stations seem not to care about the cost of the product at retail outlets operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company. Petrol prices at NNPC stations range from N568 to N617/litre. This often leads to queues at the stations.

As Nigerians raise concerns about the high cost of the commodity by independent petrol dealers, the Federal Government has also vowed to shut down filling stations that will be caught dispensing PMS at exorbitant rates.

It declared this through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, stressing that it was not in the interest of Nigerians for marketers to profiteer in the sales of PMS.

Independent oil marketers claimed that they’ve been buying petrol from private depot owners for as high as N850/litre since last week and that this was why the pump prices were high.

However, the spokesperson of the NMDPRA, George Ene-Ita, argued that the petrol price reports that the regulator gets from its officials at the depots were different.

“Our depot people see a different price because we ask them to publish the prices at the depots every day and it is not N850/litre. Our field agents at the depots give us a different figure,” he said.

When told that some filling stations operated by independent marketers in Lagos and many other states dispense their products for as high as N900 and N1,000/litre, the NMDPRA official said such outlets would be brought to book if apprehended.

“If we get these outlets, all we do is to try and shut them down, because NNPC is the company that brings in the product and they tell us how much they sell as their ex-depot prices to off-takers. And we sit down together and work out the margins and there is no way it should be that high,” Ene-Ita declared.

The NMDPRA official further noted that there was no way the agency could reconcile the high cost of petrol sold by independent marketers.

“Do you have these stations displaying the high prices on their pumps?” Ene-Ita asked.

Our correspondent responded in the affirmative, and the regulatory agency’s official declared again, “Once we get these outlets, we are going to shut them down. NNPC tells us how much they sell and there is no way the pump prices should be that high. We don’t expect it to be higher than N650/litre.”

The NMDPRA spokesperson warned marketers involved in profiteering to desist from the act, stressing that the agency would not fold its hands and allow operators to cheat Nigerians.

Findings by our correspondents show that marketers are making more profit as the fuel crisis rocking the country has refused to end.

The PUNCH reliably gathered that owners of filling stations have seized the opportunity to add to their margins as regulators could not enforce any particular price.

Due to the low supply from NNPC, private depot owners were said to have hiked the price of petrol as high as N850/litre

The depots sell to independent marketers, who could not get the product directly from the NNPC at about N570/litre like the major marketers.

In return, the independent marketers sell a litre of petrol to motorists and other Nigerians at prices ranging from N850 to N900 or even N1,000 in some remote areas.

“That is why no marketer is complaining of low margins again. This is the time for them to make money. The only issue is that getting the product is not that easy,” a source told The PUNCH.

“The price is high because the supply is low. It is a matter of demand and supply. The price will continue to be up, at least for now. It Is an opportunity for the filling stations to add to their margins. This is an abnormal situation. Normalcy is restored, and the regulatory authority can monitor. Can the regulator monitor anybody now?

“Imagine when you pay about N30m to NNPC to order petrol and it takes about one month to get the product. Assuming you take N30m from a bank with this interest rate, is that not a problem?’ a marketer stated.

Sources at the Lagos depot informed our correspondent anonymously that the NNPC is still rationing the product despite assurances that normalcy would be restored last Wednesday.

It was gathered on Monday that marketers could only get half of whatever metric tonnes they bid for.

A depot operator said though the situation had improved a bit, the supply is still far below what is required to ease off the queues and make the product available for all Nigerians.

Another source hinted that the Federal Government is now prioritising the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to reduce the long queues in filling stations.

“The queue is easing a little bit in Abuja. Almost 70 per cent of the trucks are going to Abuja. The directive is that they should go to Abuja,” the depot operator confided in The PUNCH.

Contrary to claims that the marketers might be hoarding fuel, the manager of a filling station in Ogun State, who identified himself simply as Adeyanju, said no one hoards fuel because it will continue to dry up.

“The way PMS is, if you put 33,000 litres in a tank, if you hoard it for too long, by the time you want to haulage it, it may not be more than 31,000 or 32,000 litres. It will be evaporating. No tank operator will ever hoard fuel, not even at this time when people are making money,” the manager disclosed.

He added that no miracle could clear off the queues in this new week, asking the NNPC to ramp up supply.

On Monday in Osogbo, Osun State, petrol was sold by filling stations owned by independent marketers at prices ranging from N900 to N1000 per litre.

However, the few major marketers that dispensed petrol, sold the product for N700 per litre.

Many filling stations within the metropolis did not open to customers, as commercial intra-city bus operators increased their charges by 50 per cent due to the high cost of fuel.

Petrol was priced between N980 and N1000 at stations owned by independent dealers in Damaturu and its surrounding areas.

The same scenario played out in parts of Lagos and Ogun states, where petrol went for as high as N950 and N1,000/litre at independent marketers’ stations.

Following the reluctance of many marketers in Kano State to open their filling stations despite having the commodity in stock, black markets continued to thrive.

A litre of PMS at filling stations owned by independent marketers still sold for N980 and N1000/litre in Kano.

Following this negative development, black marketers have fully returned to the business and are having a field day. PMS at the black market sells for N1200 and N1300.

A former Nigerian boxer and first-ever Olympic medalist, Nojim Maiyegun has died at the age of 83.

A confidante, Rudolfine F Soultan, confirmed the death of the boxer in a Facebook post on Monday.

The post read, “My Jimmy died. I can’t say more about this right now because it’s just horrible. The day after tomorrow, we would have been together for 17 years.”

Maiyegun as per The Cable breathed his last on Monday morning at his base in Vienna, Austria.

Maiyegun was reportedly battling an unnamed illness for a couple of months.

At 23, he won Nigeria’s first Olympic media (Bronze) in the light-heavyweight boxing category at Tokyo 1964.

In the second round of the competition, he defeated Great Britain’s William Robinson in just one minute and 59 seconds.

He defeated Tom Bogs of Denmark in the quarter-final before losing to France’s Joseph Gonzalez in the semi-final.

Maiyegun and Poland’s Józef Grzesiak settled for the bronze.

Two years later, in 1966, he won another bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.

Maiyegun left Nigeria in 1971 to begin a professional boxing career.

He fought 16 times and won 12 — 10 of them by knockouts.

The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, on Sunday, said underage candidates will no longer be allowed to sit for secondary school leaving examinations.

Mamman stated this while speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.

He said the Federal Government has instructed the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) which administers the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) which organises the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) to comply with the directive on 18 years age limit for any candidate to be eligible for the two examinations.

Mamman also insisted that the age limit for any candidate to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) remained 18 years.

The minister said, “It is 18 (years). What we did at the meeting that we had with JAMB (in July) was to allow this year and for it to serve as a kind of notice for parents that this year, JAMB will admit students who are below that age but from next year, JAMB is going to insist that anybody applying to go to university in Nigeria meets the required age which is 18.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a new policy; this is a policy that has been there for a long time.

“Even basically if you compute the number of years pupils, and learners are supposed to be in school, the number you will end up with is 17 and a half – from early child care to primary school to junior secondary school and then senior secondary school. You will end up with 17 and a half by the time they are ready for admission.

“So, we are not coming up with new policy contrary to what some people are saying; we are just simply reminding people of what is existing.

“In any case, NECO and WAEC, henceforth will not be allowing underage children to write their examinations. In other words, if somebody has not spent the requisite number of years in that particular level of study, WAEC and NECO will not allow them to write the examination.”

The minister went further to give a breakdown of the number of years pupils are expected to spend between child care and senior secondary school.

According to him, early care is expected to last for the first five years. Pupils are expected to begin primary one at the age of six, spend six years in primary school and move to junior secondary school at the age of 12, spend three years, before moving to senior secondary school at the age of 15, to spend three more years and leave for university at the age of 18.

German tactician Bruno Labbadia has been appointed the new head coach of the Nigerian men’s national team, the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigeria Football Federation announced the decision to appoint Labbadia early on Tuesday morning following months of searching for a new handler for the former African champions.

In a statement released on their official media space, the NFF confirms that the German gaffer has agreed to take charge of the Super Eagles with immediate effect.

The statement reads: ‘The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that it has reached an agreement with German tactician, Bruno Labbadia, to become the Head Coach of Nigeria’s Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles.

‘NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said in the early hours of Tuesday: “The NFF Executive Committee has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to appoint Mr. Bruno Labbadia as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

The appointment is with immediate effect.”‘

The Super Eagles had been without a coach since former Ajax winger Finidi George vacated the role following a brief spell in charge.

I was away on vacation for just two weeks only to return to meet fuel queues still on the streets of Nigeria with the fuel stations rationing fuel in Lagos and other parts of the country. It is a big shame, and an embarrassment that the world’s sixth largest producer of crude oil cannot refine its own petroleum products. Nigeria has the finest blend of crude- Brent Crude notable for its low sulphur content, but as in everything else, we export the best of our assets, including people, only to buy back the same assets from outsiders. With finished petroleum products, we now import the same petrol that flows in abundance in the creeks of the Niger Delta and the backyard of some people’s ancestors. Reuters reported recently, that NNPC Limited, the sole importer of finished products, enjoying a monopoly in that regard was indebted to gasoline suppliers to the tune of over $6 billion forcing traders to backout, resulting in a scarcity of fuel in the country. Under contract terms, NNPCL is required to pay within 90 days of delivery, failing which the traders collect a late payment compensation of $250, 000 per cargo. So, when Nigeria tenders for fuel, a number of traders now look the other way. Nigeria has no savings to bail it out, instead the government is desperately looking for money. It won’t be long before the Nigerian government begins to tax persons for dying, or having babies or for marrying or engaging in the basic ordinary tasks of living.  In 2023, NNPCL took a loan of $3.3 billion from Afrexim Bank, but it looks like even that has been depleted.  What we are dealing with, those who are familiar with the subject tell us, is simply the failure of policy, the lack of vision at the highest levels and the cumulative effect of the many years of the oil curse. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu worsened the situation. The crisis that non-availability of fuel in the country has now created, with the high cost of living, inflation, loss of time and capital and the widespread angst in the land could have been avoided. We suffer because of Tinubu’s populism, over-excitement and lack of caution. 

On May 29 2023, at his inauguration as President of Nigeria, Tinubu allowed his emotions to get the better part of him when he suddenly announced in his inaugural speech that “fuel subsidy is gone!” Some poorly educated persons in his team must have told him that he should do something radical from the first day, and that after all in Kenya, William Ruto did something radical as soon as he assumed office. Ruto is today rueing the day he caused the tragedy that his exuberance has brought upon him. There may have also been persons around President Tinubu who told him to take a step that would please the IMF and the World Bank, both of which had always argued that Nigeria could not sustain its subsidy regime. What no one told Tinubu was that whereas the removal of fuel subsidy was prescribed in the Petroleum Industry Act of 2023., President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu’s predecessor was happy to claim the credit that it was under his watch that the PIA was passed after 13 years – one of the longest running pieces of legislation in recent times - but he was not willing to implement every aspect of it. Section 205(1) of the PIA states that wholesale and retail prices of petroleum products would be determined by market forces, to encourage competition and private sector investment. As of 2022, almost one naira in every four Naira earned by the Nigerian government was spent on fuel subsidy. Nonetheless, the Buhari administration played smart. It postponed the divine reign of market forces until after 18 months, stating that the removal of fuel subsidy could result in social upheaval, and that the timing would be problematic.  Buhari wilfully disobeyed the same law that he signed. He postponed the evil day and left a booby trap for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who clearly out of over-exuberance on inauguration day proclaimed that “the fuel subsidy is gone”.  His media handlers have said that he was left with no option in the matter, because in any cas,e the extension by the Buhari administration was due to expire. But could Tinubu have considered other options? Could he have chosen the option of a little honeymoon with the Nigerian people? 

The least that he could have done would have been to wait and study the situation and not resort to an impulsive policy making decision to please the Western crowd. The error is not his alone. What happened to the so-called members of the transition, hand-over committee? They should have looked at the situation on the ground and advise the President accordingly.  Buhari thought the removal of fuel subsidy would cause social upheaval, Tinubu’s transition team should have embarked on a rigorous interrogation of why and how Buhari tactfully avoided the storm. He must be laughing at Tinubu in his Daura home. And this is without prejudice to the fact that every economist that I know argued that the fuel subsidy regime was unsustainable. It had become an avenue for corruption and sharp practices, the very reason the Jonathan administration decided in 2012 to deregulate the downstream sector of the petroleum industry. The Mafia, benefitting from the rot in the industry including present occupants in the corridors of power, sabotaged the Jonathan government. They have since eaten their vomit, returning to 2012, and they are shamelessly comfortable about it. In 2012, fuel subsidy gulped just about N1 trillion. Tinubu created a perfect storm by removing fuel subsidy and also abolishing the dual foreign exchange rate at the same time. It is simple common sense. Both moves were populist but the timing and the combination were wrong. Within 15 months, Nigeria is literally on its knees. Between May 2023 and now, the pump price of fuel has gone from N197 per litre to N617 per litre and up to N1, 3000. President Tinubu promised the people that he would renew hope. He told us “e lo fokan bale.” On the contrary. cases of sudden death syndrome have increased. Nigerian youths are fleeing abroad in droves because they cannot find hope in their own country. Nigeria has not even been able to meet its OPEC production quota. When the spot price of Brent goes up as it did during COVID-19, and now in the face of the conflicts in the Middle East, and between Russia and Ukraine, Nigeria is unable to take advantage of given opportunities. The country is also underperforming in Domestic Revenue Generation as the elites in power, after a fashion, are more interested in their own luxury and comfort. The optics are scary. The Tinubu government has left the people in a place of confusion: Fuel subsidy was removed on a whim, without clarity and proper consultation with stakeholders, and apparently no co-ordination with the sub-nationals. 

What I find particularly intriguing is that last week the same Tinubu administration trying to find a way around the fuel scarcity in the country and the fact that fuel now sells for as much as N1, 300 per litre in parts of the country, directed the NNPC to use its 2023 final dividends due to the Federation to pay for petrol subsidy, in other words, the Federal Government wants the payment of dividends to the Federation to be suspended, to boost NNPCL’s cash flow. On its part, NNPCL says it will be unable to remit taxes and royalties to the Federation anyway because of on-going subsidy payments or what it calls “subsidy shortfall and FX differential.” In summary NNPCL says it has been paying subsidy, and the Federal Government says it should pay more. This is enough talk to make anybody have a headache. For, the same Tinubu administration since May 29, 2023, had insisted that there was no fuel subsidy in Nigeria, even when everyone including the IMF reported that fuel subsidy had been re-introduced as far back as December 2023. Nasir el-Rufai and others told us the government had reintroduced fuel subsidy. Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning said this was not true, quoting the PIA, and insisting that in fact the government was saving money from the removal of fuel subsidy, up to about N400 billion monthly. 

The lie is now out in the open.  The minimum that the Tinubu administration can do is stop the continuing cycle of deceit and hypocrisy on the fuel subsidy issue. The deceit should stop. We are in the era of transparency and accountability. The word of the government should be its bond. A government can admit that it made a mistake and it has found cause to change its mind. There is nothing wrong in that. It is not enough for President Tinubu to issue an order to NNPCL directing it to use royalties and dividends due to the Federal Government to manage fuel prices. What is the exact amount that we are talking about? What are the details? For how long? If there has been a change of policy, President Tinubu should be courageous enough to come before Nigerians and use the same energy and enthusiasm with which he pronounced “fuel subsidy is gone” to APOLOGISE to Nigerians, tell them a mistake has been made, and explain how his administration hopes to resolve the problem.   The reason there has been so much turmoil in town is because the people feel betrayed. President Tinubu needs to rebuild public confidence in his administration.  He can start by making the government less ostentatious. He wants the people to make sacrifices. The process must begin with him. He needs to reinvent politics. He must lead by example. The nation needs to know the truth. It is normal to make mistakes. It is nobler to admit one’s errors and seek to make corrections. 

In the face of the fuel scarcity in the land, Nigerians are asking: what is happening to the refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna?  It does not require divine intelligence to get the refineries working, but what we are confronted with is an endless circus of lies.  We are told again and again that the refineries will be completed, but we might as well be waiting for Godot. In August 2023, we were confidently informed that Nigeria would restart its four refineries by the end of 2024, so said Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum. We heard the same thing in 2022. Lokpobiri repeated the lie. The Nigerian government should stop telling lies! It is irritating.  Where is the Warri refinery that was supposed to start operation in the first quarter of 2024?  Where is the Port Harcourt refinery that was “technically completed” in December 2023? Dates are set. Deadlines are not met. And we, the people, are supposed to understand that we live in a country where promises are not meant to be kept and leaders can do as they wish, without any explanation.? No. No. No. It is offensive that Nigeria is so blessed with oil and gas resources and all we talk about is crude oil theft, militancy in the Niger Delta and the country’s failure to meet production quota. To all intents and purposes, Nigeria is still dependent on oil resources despite argumentations that the country needs to diversify its economy, and invest more in the non-oil sector. 

There is the unresolved matter of the Dangote Refinery. This was a project that we all prayed for and hoped for to meet local demands for petroleum products and generate competition and investment. In typical Nigeria fashion, a $20 billion worth of investment and the prospect of a pathway to economic regeneration has been reduced to petty stories about Dangote’s personality and identity, with such questions as why would he, a Kano man, set up such a big project in Yorubaland? Or why would anyone allow an extension of Dangote’s monopoly? How much did he contribute to Tinubu’s election campaign in 2023? As if that should matter? Somehow, the excitement over the proposed 650, 000 barrels of petroleum products per day has been abbreviated by typical Nigerian stories. Some kill joys have even tried to de-market the Dangote project.  And then there are others who are saying that Mele Kyari is the problem. Twice on television, I have said clearly that Engr. Kyari is not the problem. In terms of record, he has done much better than his own predecessors. His spokespersons have given us much information about his efforts. I do not intend to be their megaphone, only to add that it is far too simplistic for Nigerians to seek a fall guy for the same problems that could have been easily addressed through long-term visioning. Nigeria waits for you. While you are busy doing your own thing, trying to make an impact, Nigerians have a good habit of waiting till you get to a significant moment and they would pounce on you, to destroy your dream. We must all be careful not to turn this country into a hostile environment for talent, creativity and good citizenship.  Tinubu has a duty not only to fix the loopholes, but also to embark on an urgent national project of moral regeneration. There is too much toxicity in this land. 

I end this piece knowing that the fuel queues are still out there. NNPCL has given the excuse of distribution challenges and weather conditions, but can they tell us another story please? Even in countries with the most extreme weather conditions, they have fuel at their filling stations. And how about distribution challenges? A government that is determined to help and serve the people will find the political will to address those challenges whatever their colour or shape. There is no limit to how far a government can go to deceive the people, but there is certainly a limit to the people’s anger and frustration. President Tinubu should know this.