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Economy

Buhari didn’t ask anyone to remove petrol subsidy – Senate President

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Lawan urges govts to invest more in public schools

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Tuesday disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has not directed any official in his administration to implement the removal of petroleum subsidy.

Lawan disclosed this to newsmen after a meeting with President Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the purpose of his visit is to convey the concerns of the various constituencies represented at the National Assembly over certain issues, especially the proposed removal of fuel subsidy.

Recall that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, had last October said the Federal Government would provide petrol subsidy for only the first six months of 2022. This, she said, was part of efforts to deregulate the sector altogether.

In her words, “In our 2022 budget, we only factored in subsidy for the first half of the year; in the second half of the year, we are looking at complete deregulation of the sector, saving foreign exchange and potentially earning more from the oil and gas industry.”

But Lawan said the lawmakers were concerned about the various agitations and protests across the country, a development that necessitated his discussion with Buhari.

In his words, “Many of us are very concerned with the recent agitations, protests and many citizens were so concerned, our constituents across the country are very worried that the Federal Government will remove the petroleum subsidy. And for us as legislators representing the people, this must be of interest to us.

“And we’ve just finished our recess, we had gone home to our constituencies and senatorial districts. We felt the pulse of our people. And I found it necessary to visit Mr President, as the leader of our government and our leader in the country, to discuss this particular issue of concern to Nigerians. I’m happy to inform Nigerians that Mr President never told anyone that the petroleum subsidy should be removed.

“I know, and I agree that the subsidy is hefty. But I think we must never transfer the burden to the citizens. We need to look at the quoted figure of maybe 100 million litres that people claim we’re consuming. Is it real? I mean, is it either under recoveries or subsidy? Is it 100 million litres per day? How on earth are we consuming that?

“We need to look at this critically and see how we can find the truth. This is because I am not convinced that within the boundaries of Nigeria, we are consuming 100 million litres. Probably neighbouring countries may benefit from this. Can’t we do something about it?”

Asked what will happen next since the 2022 budget does not provide for subsidy, Lawan said, “No, I’m not going to speculate on that. But I’m telling you, what I know from my discussions with Mr President, and I don’t want to go beyond that kind of understanding.

“He didn’t tell anybody that we should remove petroleum subsidies. And those of us who represent the people know how people are already stressed over and over again, this is going to kill everyone if people don’t say what we know is going to be too much for them.

“So, I want to commend Mr President that he didn’t order anybody to say that petroleum subsidy will be removed, even though we know it’s a burden. So it’s now our task, as an administration, we must find a solution. Let’s go and lock ourselves somewhere,” Lawan added.

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Aviation

NAF airstrikes destroy terrorist food depot, kill scores in Lake Chad

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This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, on Monday in Abuja.

Akinboyewa said the NAF aircraft carried out the operations in Nov. 23 on the strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts.

He said the location served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters.

He added that intelligence had previously linked terrorists in the location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto on Nov. 16.

According to him, the NAF fighter jets, in response, launched a robust air interdiction mission, destroying identified structures used as storage facilities and neutralising terrorists on-site.

“Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements.

“The operation’s success was made possible by extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted over several days, confirming the presence of active terrorist structures camouflaged under dense vegetation.

“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, severely disrupted their logistical operations, while the neutralisation of a significant number of fighters diminished their capacity to launch future attacks,” he said.

Akinboyewa said the mission had demonstrated the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending our nation and people, acting singly and supporting surface forces in counterterrorism operations.

He reiterated the NAF’s commitment to sustain robust independent and joint operations until all enemies of Nigeria’s prosperity and wellbeing are brought to justice.

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Africa

Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

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Customs hands over illicit drugs worth N117.59m to NDLEA

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.

Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the illicit drugs were seized  in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.

He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.

Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.

He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.

This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.

“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.

Ojo said the seizures had  disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.

He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.

Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.

Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.

Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.

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Economy

Customs intercepts N30m worth of PMS in Operation Whirlwind

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The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on Friday said that it had intercepted 849 kegs of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), worth over N30 million in retail price from Operation Whirlwind.

The Comptroller of Customs, Hussein Ejibunu, made this known during a news conference in Ikeja.

“Today, we have another seizure of 849 kegs of PMS containing 25 litres each. This translates to 30,225 litres with duty paid value at N30.225 million only at the NNPCL retail price.

“Today marks yet another success recorded by the operatives of Operation Whirlwind, Zone “A” Lagos/Ogun Axis.

“About five weeks ago, same PMS products were displayed before you here on the parade ground of the college where several seizures were made,” Ejibunu said.

“On this note, we wish to thank the National Security Adviser and the Comptroller-General of Customs for their unwavering support,” Ejibunu said.

The coordinator of the Operation Whirlwind said that two vehicles of means of conveyance were intercepted along with the seizures.

Ejibunu said that they evacuated 80 Jerry Cans each from a vehicle.

He assured the public that Operation Whirlwind remains steadfast in its efforts to clamp down on PMS smugglers, ensuring no room for their illegal activities nationwide.

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