Former President Muhammadu Buhari says after serving two terms as Nigeria’s number one citizen, he relies on one of his houses in Kaduna State to raise money for feeding.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus meeting held at the Presidential Banquet Hall of the Government House, Katsina State, Buhari said he did not enrich himself through corruption while in power.

He said most Nigerians were unaware of the administrative challenges involved in governing, hence they blame the leaders without knowing that Nigeria is a difficult country to govern.

“Nigeria is a difficult country to govern, but most Nigerians are unaware. You will not understand the complexities of leadership and the country itself until you find yourself in the administrative position of the country.

“I look much better and healthier now than when I was the president of the country. Anybody that sees me now acknowledges that I look better than before.

“After my eight years as a civil president, I have only three houses; one in Daura and two in Kaduna. I have given one out for renting where I get money for feeding,” he stated.

The recent decline in global crude oil prices could lead to a reduction in the price of premium motor spirit (PMS) in Nigeria. The Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) reported that the estimated import parity of petrol dropped to N922.65 per litre, down from N943.75 just a few days earlier.

MEMAN also highlighted that the price of Brent crude was priced at $78.29 per barrel, falling from $78.88 the day before, with the exchange rate standing at N1,550 per dollar. On Monday morning, the price of Brent crude was further reduced to $78.01 per barrel, marking a decline from over $81 the previous week.

This shift comes only a week after Dangote Refinery raised its ex-depot price by 6.17%, citing the rise in global crude prices as the reason. The price hike saw Dangote’s gantry price jump from N899.50 to N950 per litre, pushing petrol prices at partner filling stations to N970 per litre.

Industry experts have suggested that if crude prices continue to drop, local petrol prices could follow suit. A source noted that just as fuel prices surged with the increase in crude prices, a decrease could now trigger a similar reduction in local prices.

The CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise also pointed out that with Donald Trump’s presidency potentially boosting crude oil supply, a further reduction in global oil prices is possible, which could lead to cheaper petrol in Nigeria.

With the current price of petrol ranging from N965 to N1,150 per litre, any continued dip in crude prices could force Nigerian refineries and marketers to lower their prices to remain competitive in the deregulated market.

He said: “One persistent challenge facing the National Assembly Service has been the lack of a well-defined succession plan. The recurring crisis surrounding the appointment of the Clerk to the National Assembly and other key positions highlight the need for urgent reform. The absence of clarity in succession plan undermines the service’s stability and efficiency. As the legislative arm of government, the National Assembly cannot afford such disruptions.

“To address this, I am pleased to inform you that the National Assembly, led by my counterpart in the Senate, His Excellency Sen. Godswill Akpabio, GCON, along with myself, has initiated amendments to the NASC Act. These amendments aim to streamline the qualifications and processes for appointing key officers, thereby ensuring merit-based and transparent succession.

“Furthermore, the amendments will provide new entrants into the Service with clear guidelines on career progression, eliminating controversies surrounding promotions and aligning the scheme of service with the broader vision of the Commission and the National Assembly.”

Speaker Abbas reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of the House to fostering a strong and collaborative partnership with the NASC.

“As partners, we commit to fostering an efficient, productive, and professional National Assembly Service,” he said, adding that through collective efforts, the House would ensure that the National Assembly “continues to grow and develop to serve the evolving and complex needs (of the National Assembly) and the constituents we represent.”

“In contrast to the Federal Civil Service Commission and the Judicial Service Commission, which have long histories and greater resources, the NASC has faced significant challenges. Nevertheless, it has made impressive progress in enhancing the institutional capacity of the National Assembly, ensuring it meets its constitutional responsibilities.”

While congratulating the outgoing Chairman of the NASC, Engr. Ahmed Kadi Amshi and his team of Commissioners, he thanked them for their service to the National Assembly and Nigeria, and said that over the past five years, their stewardship has advanced the Commission’s mission and vision and strengthened the institutional backbone of the legislative process.

Speaker Abbas further noted that their efforts in upholding the Commission’s mandate as a cornerstone of democracy, while fostering professionalism within the National Assembly bureaucracy, are highly commendable.

He said: “Over the last 25 years, the National Assembly has achieved significant milestones. The legislature has transformed into a formidable institution, contributing to national development through effective lawmaking, oversight, and representation. The remarkable growth of the various organs and agencies of the National Assembly highlights the importance of institutional development.

“However, we must not rest on our laurels. The journey to establish a strong, independent, and productive legislature requires continuous improvement, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.”

The Speaker urged the NASC to continue focusing on recruiting capable personnel with the requisite skill sets, enhancing the capacity of its workforce, and maintaining discipline within the Service.

“Without these essential elements, no institution can thrive. A well-trained and disciplined bureaucracy forms the foundation of an effective legislature. The National Assembly Service must be primed to attract and retain the best talents while fostering a culture of professionalism and integrity,” he stated.

Earlier while presenting a 13-page document to the Speaker, Amshi highlighted the challenges and successes of the NASC in the last five years.

The chairman noted that the outgoing Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambuwal, would retire in five days’ time, while the outgoing NASC board would be working with the incoming Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana for only five days before the end of its tenure.