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Reps Leadership Visits Dangote Refinery On Familiarization Tour

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…as Speaker Abbas express desire of in-depth understanding of the sector
By Gloria Ikibah
The leadership of the House of Representatives led by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, has paid a familiarization tour to the Dangote refinery and Petrochemicals Company in Lagos.
The familiarization visit, which was on the invitation of the Dangote Group, was initially planned to jointly take place with the leadership of the Senate on June 3, 2024. However, the leadership of the National Assembly had to put the visit on hold to meet with the leadership of the organized labour on the strike it embarked on at the time.
The Senate leadership has since embarked on the visit separately, while the House leadership slated July 20 for its own.
The House leadership arrived in Lagos on Friday ahead of the familiarization visit.
Speaking when the leadership was conducted round the facility by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote on Saturday, Speaker Abbas noted that the tour was part of the continuous efforts to understand and support key industries within our nation’s economy.
Abbas said that the purpose of the visit was to provide the House Leadership and the relevant oil and gas committees with an in-depth understanding of the nature, scope, and activities of the Dangote Refinery.
According to him, this initiative aligns with the legislative agenda of the 10th House, which aims to support the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, focusing on economic transformation, growth, and development.
“This familiarisation tour underscores our commitment to engaging with and supporting critical sectors that drive our economy. Also, this visit provides valuable insights that will inform our legislative measures and decisions.
“We remain dedicated to fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development, ensuring that our legislative actions align with the broader goals of national progress as articulated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“We are acutely aware of the challenges facing the private sector in Nigeria, including regulatory hurdles, infrastructure deficits, and access to finance. The House of Representatives is committed to addressing these issues and improving the ease of doing business in our country.
“We are working diligently to create a more business-friendly environment through legislative reforms that streamline processes, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance transparency. Our goal is to make Nigeria an attractive destination for both local and international investors.
“In line with the renewed agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the House of Representatives are committed to creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. We understand that a robust partnership between the government and private enterprises like Dangote Group is essential for sustainable development. To this end, we are dedicated to enacting policies that support business growth, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and promote transparency and accountability”, Speaker Abbas stated.
While recognizing the importance of engaging with industry leaders to understand their challenges and collaboratively develop solutions, the Speaker urged Dangote to maintain an open line of communication with the National Assembly and the House leadership.
He said that constructive dialogue will ensure that the national assembly can address any operational challenges swiftly and foster an environment conducive to optimal economic growth.
“Together, we can drive Nigeria forward, harnessing the full potential of our resources and talents. I look forward to continued collaboration and a prosperous future for our great nation.
“Dangote refinery “symbolizes not only the strength and potential of Nigerian industry but also the dedication and vision of one of our most esteemed business leaders, Mr. Aliko Dangote.
“As we tour this state-of-the-art facility, it is impossible not to appreciate the significant contributions that Dangote Group is making to our economy. From job creation to the reduction of our import dependence, the refinery stands as a testament to the transformative impact that strategic investments can have on our nation. It provides thousands of jobs, promotes local content, and drives technological advancements within our borders. Such efforts are crucial in our collective pursuit of economic stability and growth.
“The economic significance of the private sector globally cannot be overstated. Across the world, private enterprises are the engines of economic growth, driving innovation, increasing productivity, and fostering competitive markets. They play a critical role in wealth creation, poverty reduction, and the overall improvement of living standards.
“By investing in infrastructure, technology, and human capital, the private sector propels nations toward sustainable development and economic resilience. It is through a vibrant private sector that economies can diversify, innovate, and compete on a global scale.
“However, the journey does not end here. There is always more we can do together to bolster our economy. I encourage Dangote Group to continue exploring avenues to complement government initiatives. By investing in renewable energy, enhancing corporate social responsibility programs, and fostering innovation through research and development, Dangote can further solidify its role as a key player in our economic landscape”, he stated.
The Speaker was in company of the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere; Chief Whip, Rep. Usman Bello Kumo; Deputy House Leader, Rep. Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims; Deputy Whip, Rep. Adewumi Onanuga; Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda; Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isa; Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki, and Deputy Minority Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi.
Also in the delegation were the Chairmen of relevant oil and gas committees and their deputies.
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$516m loan request: Tinubu’s borrowing bonanza mortgaging Nigeria’s future

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) Legislators’ Forum has strongly condemned the latest move by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure Senate approval for an additional external loan of $516,333,070, ostensibly for the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project. 

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the regional leaders of the Forum: Hon. Uko Ndukwe Nkole ,PhDChairmanADC -National Legislators’ Forum African  Democratic Congress (ADC)
Hon Nnenna Ukeje-SEHon Sergius Ogun-SSHon Ajagbe H -SWHon Zakari Mohammed -NCHon Koko Shehu -NWHon Maigari Bello M-NE stating that:
“This request is not only alarming but emblematic of an administration that has made reckless borrowing its default economic policy, with little regard for sustainability, accountability, or the wellbeing of future generations.

“While no responsible opposition undermines the importance of infrastructure development, we must ask: at what cost, and under what conditions? This government has failed to convincingly demonstrate that its endless appetite for loans is guided by a coherent, transparent, and economically viable repayment strategy. 

“Instead, Nigerians are witnessing a troubling pattern; one where debt accumulation is prioritized over prudent fiscal management, innovation, and domestic resource mobilization.

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“Nigeria is already weighed down by a crushing debt burden, with debt servicing swallowing a staggering proportion of national revenue. Yet, rather than confronting this reality with discipline and reform, the Tinubu administration continues to plunge the country deeper into what can only be described as a looming debt catastrophe. Each new loan tightens the noose around the nation’s economic sovereignty, leaving future generations to pay for today’s lack of foresight.

“Even more disturbing is the timing of this request. As the nation inches closer to a major general election cycle, Nigerians are right to question the motives behind this borrowing spree.

” Is this truly about development, or is it another attempt to create avenues for political patronage and electoral advantage? History has taught us to be wary of last-minute, large-scale financial commitments made under the guise of national interest.

“The ADC Legislators’ Forum insists that the National Assembly must not act as a rubber stamp or Pro group of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in this matter. 

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“The Senate, in particular, must rise to its constitutional responsibility by demanding full disclosure of the project’s financial details, procurement processes, cost-benefit analysis, and a credible repayment plan. 
“Anything short of this would amount to a betrayal of public trust.

“Furthermore, we call on the administration to redirect its focus toward policies that can genuinely strengthen Nigeria’s economy; policies that promote productivity, industrial growth, job creation, and the plugging of revenue leakages. 

“Borrowing should never be a substitute for leadership, creativity, and accountability.

“We must clearly state that governance is not a free ride without consequences. Those who make decisions today that endanger the economic future of millions of Nigerians must understand that a day of reckoning will inevitably come. The Nigerian people will demand answers, accountability, and justice for policies that have deepened hardship and mortgaged the nation’s destiny.

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“Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. We can either choose the path of responsibility, discipline, and sustainable growth, or continue down this perilous road of debt dependency and economic vulnerability. The Tinubu administration must decide where it stands; but Nigerians are watching, and history will not be kind to those who fail this nation.

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ISWAP commander, 24 others killed as troops repel Kukareta attack in Borno

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At least one ISWAP fighter has been captured alive while top commander identified as Abu Umar Bundi Munzir has been neutralised alongside 24 other insurgents in Borno.

The development followed a foiled coordinated attack on Kukareta community in Borno by troops of Operation HADIN KAI.

Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theartre Commander, North East Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Maiduguri on Thursday, while providing situational update on the failed attack by ISWAP terrorists.

NAN report that the insurgents launched the attack in the early hours of Thursday, shortly after midnight, in an attempt to overrun the location but were decisively engaged by troops of Sector 2 in a sustained counter-offensive that lasted till about 3;00 a.m.

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Abubakar said that during the encounter, the terrorists’ commander, Abu Umar Bundi Munzir, was reportedly among those neutralised as troops repelled the assault and forced the remaining attackers into a disorganised withdrawal.

The theartre commander also confirmed that a total of 24 other terrorists were killed in the operation, bringing the overall neutralised figure to 25.

”Troops subsequently conducted exploitation of the battlefield, leading to the recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition, including 18 AK-47 rifles, three General Purpose Machine Guns, two PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns and three RPG tubes.

”Others include two mortar tubes, four hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition,” he said.

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According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and have since been stabilised, while an armoured reinforcement vehicle had its tyres damaged during the firefight.

He added that further exploitation operations were ongoing to recover fleeing terrorists bodies, and abandoned equipment along withdrawal routes reportedly marked by blood trails and medical items.

The commander described the operation as a significant success in ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, noting that sustained pressure would be maintained to deny terrorist elements freedom of action in the North-East theatre.

(NAN)

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APC Shifts Presidential and Governorship Primaries

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The All Progressives Congress has officially rescheduled its presidential and governorship primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Duro Meseko, announced the change in Abuja this Thursday, stating that the presidential primary earlier slated for May 15 and 16 will now hold on May 23, 2026, while the governorship primaries are set for May 21.

Meseko explained that the adjustment was made to align with the revised timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the 2026 Electoral Act.

The party also confirmed that nomination forms will be available to all interested aspirants starting this Saturday, April 25 to Saturday, May 2, with no exclusive reservations for any individuals.

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