The Nigerian government has begun a free programme to convert petrol-powered commercial vehicles to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Ibadan and Zaria, as part of efforts to promote cleaner energy and reduce fuel costs after the removal of subsidies.

In Ibadan, around 100 vehicles were converted at three locations, including a Mobil filling station on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and two other sites in the city.

Louisa Afu, Business Development Executive of the Presidential CNG initiative, said the project aims to help vehicle owners cut costs while contributing to a cleaner environment.

Afu noted that the initiative, part of President Bola Tinubu’s push for sustainable energy, would expand to other regions. “Gas is cheaper, more sustainable, and safer,” she said, adding that Nigeria’s abundant gas reserves made CNG a viable alternative to petrol.

Local transport officials praised the programme as a positive step for the sector, though some, like CNG user Sowole Jayeola, called for further reductions in conversion costs to encourage more widespread adoption.

In Zaria, the government also launched its CNG initiative, starting with 50 vehicles. Dauda Suleiman, Team Lead at the National Institute for Transport Technology Centre, said the conversion kits were being provided for free to commercial drivers in the region.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says it purchased premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in dollars.

In a social media post on Monday, the NNPC said naira transactions would commence on October 1.

“The NNPC Ltd can confirm that it is paying Dangote Refinery in USD for September 2024 PMS offtake, as Naira transactions will only commence on October 1st, 2024,” the statement reads.

NNPC also released the estimated pump price of petrol based on prices set by the Dangote refinery.

On September 14, Wale Edun, the minister of finance, had said from October 1, the refinery would supply PMS and diesel to the domestic market in naira.

“From October 1, NNPC Ltd. will commence the supply of about 385,000 bpd of crude oil to the Dangote refinery, to be paid for in naira,” the minister had said.

“In return, the Dangote refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market, to be paid in naira.”

On September 15, the NNPC commenced petrol lifting at the refinery’s gantry after an extended period of price negotiations.

The development followed the deployment of a fleet of NNPC’s trucks to the refinery on September 14.

At the close of loading on Sunday, the NNPC had said it bought petrol from Dangote refinery at N898 per litre.

However, the Dangote refinery countered the claim, describing it as “both misleading and mischievous”.

Despite steady rise in commodity prices across the country, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that headline inflation rate further eased to 32.15 per cent in August 2024 relative to the July 2024 headline inflation rate of 33.40 per cent.

The August 2024 headline inflation rate showed a decrease of 1.25 per cent points when compared to the July 2024 headline inflation rate at a time the country grapples with high cost of food items, fluctuation in exchange rate and shortage to the food supply chain occasioned by insecurity.

However, on a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 6.35 per cent points higher compared to the rate recorded in August 2023 (25.80 per cent).

“This shows that the headline inflation rate (year on-year basis) increased in August 2024 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (i.e., August 2023)” the statistics bureau said in a report released on Monday.

According to the NBS, on a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in August 2024 was 2.22 per cent, which was 0.06% lower than the rate recorded in August 2024 (2.28 per cent).

“This means that in August 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level is lower than the rate of increase in the average price level in July 2024,” NBS said, making nonsense of the current high cost of living in Nigeria, driven by over 354 per cent increase in gasoline.

Jose Peseiro, the former Super Eagles head coach, has disclosed d the reason he decided not to continue with the job.

The Portuguese was in charge of the three-time African champions for 22 months and guided the Super Eagles to second position at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire

The 64-year-old left the post after his contract expired in February.

Peseiro said he left the post because of the pressure and stress that comes with it.

”I decided that when I finish the AFCON, I will leave. I had put too much effort in my job, it was too much stress. Everyone supported me – my family and the players but I grew fatigue, I thought it was enough for me, even if I had won the AFCON,” Peseiro told SABC Sport.

Despite the challenges he encountered while managing the Super Eagles, Peseiro said the “job was special”.

”Nigeria was an amazing job, with good players. We played very well in the AFCON. I think our team was the best until we lost to Cote d’Ivoire in the tournament,” added vastly travelled coach.

Peseiro is still without a job since leaving Nigeria. The former Venezuela coach said he is waiting for the right project.

”I am waiting for a good job, for a good step. It is true there were offers from South Africa, Europe and in Brazil as well, but I didn’t take any and feel good for those jobs. Someone called to tell me about the Sundowns job and about other things but until now, nothing special,” he remarked.

In a sharp critique of President Bola Tinubu’s leadership and trademark cap, Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has likened the fate of the President’s political symbol – the broken shackle – to the swastika’s historical transformation from a symbol of good fortune to one of oppression.

In a piece titled “De-cap-itated!”, released to journalists Monday in Abuja, Shaibu drew parallels between the swastika, which was used by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime, and the broken shackles symbol that Tinubu and his supporters adopted during the 2023 presidential campaign.

Historically, the swastika symbolised nationalism and good fortune, representing hope across various cultures. However, its association with the Nazi regime turned it into a global emblem of fascism and hate.

Similarly, Shaibu argued that the broken shackle, initially seen as a representation of freedom and human rights as popularised by Tinubu, has now morphed into a symbol of oppression under his leadership in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu, in a campaign soapbox in Ogun State where he made the infamous Emilokan remarks, which is a selfish and arrogant ownership claim to power, has since made the broken shackle a symbol of oppression and political rascality,” Shaibu stated.

The Emilokan mantra, which translates to “it is my turn” in Yoruba, was once celebrated as a rallying cry for Tinubu’s supporters. It was worn proudly on caps adorned with the broken shackle symbol, known as ‘Emilokan’ caps.

During the campaign, the caps symbolised Tinubu’s promise to protect human rights, boost the economy, and replicate Lagos success across Nigeria.

He said the President’s supporters believed in his democratic credentials and ability to transform the nation into a prosperous economy. However, as Shaibu suggested, the reality has been far from the initial promise.

“Everyone now knows that Emilokan is not about shared prosperity for all but about a rabid appropriation of state assets to personal ownership,” Shaibu remarked.

He further accused Tinubu of building personal wealth by exploiting Lagosians, debunking the widely held belief that Tinubu’s governance was responsible for Lagos’ economic growth.

“Tinubu didn’t build Lagos. Rather, Tinubu built his wealth through the sweat of Lagosians,” he added.

The Atiku’s spokesman said the disillusionment with the Emilokan symbol has become so widespread that the caps, once proudly displayed by vendors and supporters, are now gathering dust.

“The once-eager vendors who proudly displayed the Emilokan caps at bustling traffic lights and strategic street corners now find themselves burdened by them,” Shaibu pointed out.

Once a sought-after item, he claimed that the caps have become an embarrassing relic for many of Tinubu’s supporters, representing broken promises and a political regime that has shifted towards authoritarianism.

In his analysis, Shaibu also compared Tinubu to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, an iconic figure in Nigerian politics known for his progressive ideals.

According to Shaibu, Tinubu’s supporters initially likened him to Awolowo, believing he would follow in the legendary leader’s footsteps by delivering a prosperous and inclusive government.

However, Shaibu dismisses this comparison as a “political impersonation fraud of grand proportions.

“Everyone now knows that Tinubu is not Awolowo,” Shaibu asserted, arguing that the notion of Tinubu as a progressive leader has crumbled in the face of his administration’s actions, which appear more focused on personal gain than on the collective good.

“The disappointment with Tinubu’s administration extends beyond the political sphere.”

Shaibu claimed that the Emilokan caps, once a potent political symbol, have now become a source of embarrassment for many Nigerians.

Just as the swastika was banned from public display after the defeat of Nazi Germany, Shaibu believed that the Emilokan caps have become relics of “political deception and disappointment.”

For Shaibu, the transformation of the Emilokan symbol is emblematic of Tinubu’s broader failure to deliver on his promises. What once represented hope, freedom, and prosperity has become a reminder of missed opportunities and growing disenchantment.

Shaibu concluded his critique by noting that the political reality of Tinubu’s presidency has fallen far short of the expectations set during the campaign.

“As Nigeria grapples with the Tinubu administration’s unfolding reality, the Emilokan symbol’s fate poignantly reflects the country’s current political climate,” he added.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa has ordered probe into the alleged detention of naval personnel for six years without trial.

The Naval rating, Seaman Haruna Abbas is alleged to be held in custody for over six years on the orders of a senior officer.

The wife of the rating disclosed this while featuring on a popular Human Rights radio in Abuja.

The CDS gave the order in a statement by the Acting Director Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau while reacting to wife’s revelation which has now gone viral.

He said, “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has taken notice of a circulating video clip alleging the unjust incarceration of a Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, for six years.

“The DHQ wishes to assure the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law. The military court-martial process, though meticulous, ensures fairness, equal opportunity, and justice in accordance with established military procedures and the law.

“In response to this allegation, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed an immediate investigation into the matter. The outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course”.

He urged the public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading “unsubstantiated information while the investigation is ongoing”.

He further assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces will ensure a speedy and transparent investigation.

The Nigeria Football Federation is on the verge of naming German coach Winfried Schafer as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, Soccernet.ng reports.

This decision comes after weeks of negotiations, with Schafer expected to succeed Augustine Eguavoen, who has served in an interim capacity since late August. 

According to the Guardian, NFF has reached an agreement with Schafer, who has previously managed Cameroon, Thailand, and Jamaica, to take charge of Nigeria’s senior national team.

Schafer’s experience, which includes winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in 2002 and leading Jamaica to the Caribbean Cup title in 2014, made him a top candidate.

The NFF had initially set its sights on Bruno Labbadia, but the deal fell through due to unresolved tax issues. The federation also explored the possibility of appointing Sweden’s former coach Janne Anderson and AFCON-winning tactician Hervé Renard before settling on Schafer.

Schafer’s official unveiling is expected soon, with reports suggesting he will bring his own backroom staff. However, discussions about local assistants are ongoing.

Interim coach Eguavoen will return to his role as NFF Technical Director following Schafer’s appointment.

Fondly known as “Winnie,” Schafer’s last managerial position was with Al-Khor in Qatar in 2021. His playing career saw him feature in 403 Bundesliga matches, scoring 46 goals.

Schafer’s coaching résumé is impressive, boasting titles across various leagues, including the Bundesliga, UAE Football League, and the Caribbean Cup.

Schafer will be tasked with leading Nigeria through their crucial 2025 AFCON qualifiers and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has demanded a retraction of election rigging allegations made against him by the chairman of Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Anthony Aziegbemi.

DAILY POST recalls that Aziegbemi had in a statement on Saturday, accused the Federal Government of planning to rig the upcoming Edo Governorship Election.

The statement alleged that the FG was using Ribadu and the Department of State Service, DSS, to rig the gubernatorial election.

He claimed that Ribadu had released 2 million U.S Dollars to the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in the election as part of the plot.

In reaction to the allegation, Ribadu’s lawyers, Charles Musa & Co, described the allegation as “totally false” and demanded immediate retraction.

The letter sighted by NAN said: “We write on behalf of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser (NSA) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (our Client), in response to your press statement titled ‘Edo 2024: presidency’s move to interfere, manipulate guber poll using DSS, NSA uncovered’.

“The publication falsely alleges, inter alia, that, ‘$2 million was ordered to be released to the APC candidate by the NSA to buy votes and bribe security agencies'”.

The lawyers said the malicious and libelous statement had brought their client into public disdain and odium.

According to them, the portrayal of their client as a corruption enabler and his office as an appendage of a political party willing to cause chaos in Edo, is entirely false and damaging to his reputation.

The lawyers also demanded payment of N10 billion as damages for reputation and other injuries.

“Take notice that if our demands are not met within seven days, we shall proceed with our Client’s further instructions, including taking legal action to enforce his rights,” they added.

The Coalition of United Political Parties, CUPP, has reacted to the recent disclosure by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, that it purchased fuel at N898 per litre from the Dangote Refinery.

DAILY POST reports that the news has sparked widespread controversy and outrage as the hope of reduction in the pump price of fuel fades among Nigerians.

Now, there are fundamental questions about the cost of production, transparency, and the alleged continued exploitation of the Nigerian masses, CUPP said. 

“The high cost of fuel purchased from Dangote Refinery is unjustifiable, especially considering the absence of tariffs, landing costs, and port charges,” a statement signed by Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP’s National Secretary said.

“With crude oil supplied in local currency, the refinery’s production costs should be significantly lower. It is imperative that Dangote Refinery provides a detailed breakdown of its cost of production to justify the exorbitant price of N898 per litre.

“The lack of transparency and accountability in the pricing mechanism is alarming. The NNPCL’s revelation suggests a conspiracy to continue the exploitative price regime through the back door.

“This undermines the benefits of domestic refining and raises questions about the true advantages of local refining.

“Furthermore, the high cost of fuel per litre remains beyond the reach of the average consumer, defeating the purpose of having a refinery in the country. The cost of gasoline is higher than normal, perpetuating the exploitation of vulnerable Nigerians.

“The NNPCL’s disclosure highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and regulatory oversight by the National assembly in the energy sector.

“Dangote Refinery must provide a detailed breakdown of its cost of production, and the NNPCL must negotiate competitive prices.

“The government must allow the independent regulatory body to monitor pricing mechanisms and protect consumers from exploitation.

“Only then can Nigeria unlock the true potential of domestic refining and ensure affordable energy for its citizens.”