Headlines
Petrol may hit N250/litre despite N4tr subsidy
The current scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the country might worsen, pushing up pump price to N250 per litre, despite payment of over N4 trillion subsidy in the 2022 budget.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) – the sole importer of petrol – is reportedly without the product, as most of its stations, including the newly acquired Oando outlets, were empty yesterday.
Marketers adjusted their prices to N180 per litre against the official price of N165, with the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) telling The Guardian that ex-depot price has moved to N190 per litre and that an upward review is imminent.
While both NNPC and the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NNPC) did not respond over the development, petrol stations in most northern states have already begun dispensing at N250 per litre.
Most marketers, who spoke to The Guardian, disclosed that the state oil firm has no products. At the NNPC fuel station around Ketampe in Abuja, only two pumps were dispensing. Motorists spent an average of four hours on queues. Others bought a litre at N500 from black marketers who sold in kegs.
In the Federal Capital Territory, some residents have begun spending the night in their cars at fuel stations, hopeful of the next day.
In Lokoja, Ajaokuta and the Anyigba area of Kogi State, the few stations that had fuel dispensed at N250 per litre. Most stations in Abuja were under lock. The few that dispensed, like Nipco at Jabi, NNPC at Ketampe and others, had long queues.
About three months ago, the Federal Government quietly approved increment in fuel prices, following claims by marketers that they could no longer sustain their operations by selling at the regulated price of N165 per litre.
Recall that the chairman of IPMAN (Western zone), Dele Tajudeen, last week, said there has been an increase in depot price from N148.7 per litre to N178.
A vice president of the association at the national level, Abubakar Shettima, also told The Guardian, yesterday, that the ex-depot price has moved to N190 per litre.
He disclosed that the N180 pump price would only apply to product that was stocked, stressing that the price would be adjusted to meet prevailing market realities.
In Abuja, a motorist, Ugbeda Ojogbane, said he spent about three hours on the queue before filling his tank at the NNPC station in Lugbe. “It is sad that we produce oil and have to go through this. The country is becoming difficult by the day,” he said.
Another, Sodiq, said he spent about four hours on the queue before buying petrol at Dutse Junction, along the Kubwa expressway in Abuja.
Some stakeholders alleged that NNPC is starving government-owned depots and keeping marketers from loading, while diverting products to some private depots.
The development is coming at a time ship owners, under the aegis of the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), are threatening to embark on strike in the coming week over N90 million debt owed by NNPC for charter services rendered in the last eight months.
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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