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Reps move to investigate petrol scarcity

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Petroleum Resources (Downstream and Midstream) to investigate the return of fuel queues in the nation’s service stations and proffer lasting solutions to the oil sector’s challenges.
The decision of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved at Tuesday’s plenary by the member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, Edo State, Mr Bill Osawaru.
The motion titled, “Urgent need to carry out a legislative forensic investigation into the challenges affecting the downstream and midstream petroleum sectors in Nigeria and other related matters to find out a lasting solution to all challenges being experienced in the sectors and reposition them for efficiency and productivity,” was overwhelmingly endorsed by the lawmakers during plenary.
Leading the debate, Osawaru noted that there has been a resurgence of fuel queues in petrol stations, with allegations of high cost of petrol and non-availability of fuel stock for downstream domestic refineries in Nigeria as well as disruption of distribution of the product.
Consequently, the House mandated the Committees Mandate to “Carry out a legislative forensic investigation into the resurgence of fuel queues in petrol stations, allegations of high cost of PMS, unavailability of fuel stock for downstream domestic refineries, disruption of distribution of PMS products, unfair subsidization of PMS and other petroleum products racketeering and favouritism in the Pro Forma Invoice System regime.”
The mandate of the committees also includes probing “The indiscriminate issuance of licenses and importation of refined petroleum products, alleged return of PMS price intervention, allegation of product unavailability to marketers from NNPC Retail, endless shifting of timelines for refinery rehabilitation and the nefarious activities at petrol depots.”
The committee will also conduct “A legislative forensic investigation into the presence of middlemen in trading, indiscriminate issuance of licenses, unavailability of laboratories to check adulterated products, influx of contaminated products into the country, the allegation of non-domestication of profits realized from crude marketing sales in local banks, abuse of the PFI regime, importation of products already being produced in Nigeria and use of international trading companies to resell fuel stock to local refineries.
The two committees were also mandated to “Carry out a legislative forensic investigation into the allegation of importation of substandard products and high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, sale of petroleum products below fair market value and its impact on downstream and local refineries as well as the source of funds for such interventions, the failure of the regulators such as NMDPRA, NUPRC to enforce compliance with standards; the lack of support to local crude refiners, issuance of import license, despite local production, and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.”
Justifying the relevance of the motion, Osawru noted that “There is an allegation of unfair subsidisation of the Petroleum Motor Spirit and other petroleum products which negatively affects competitiveness in the sector. There are also allegations of racketeering and favouritism in the Pro Forma Invoice System regime, indiscriminate issuance of licenses and importation of refined petroleum products.
‘The House is informed of the alleged return of PMS price intervention with its impact on the domestic market, as well as the allegation of product unavailability to marketers from NNPCL Retail. This is in addition to the endless shifting of timelines for refinery rehabilitation, and the nefarious activities at petrol depots which have affected product distribution and caused scarcity. There is also the use of middlemen in trading which has negatively affected domestic crude supply.”
According to the lawmaker, there are claims that subsidy has returned on petrol, including lack of clarity about the exact landing cost of PMS, reduction in retail price and its impact on downstream operations, allegation of importation of substandard products and high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, among others.
That said, Osawaru blamed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission for failing in their regulatory roles, which he said, is partly responsible for the current scarcity.”
News
TETFUND threatens to cut financial support to non-performing institutions

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has threatened to cut financial support to beneficiary tertiary institutions that fail to meet performance benchmarks or mismanage allocated funds.
The agency said it would de-list such tertiary institutions from its support programmes.
Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono gave the warning at a one-day strategic engagement with heads of institutions, bursars, and heads of procurement of the agency’s beneficiary institutions in Abuja on Monday.
Echono said the policy was not meant to punish, but rather safeguard the credibility and impact of TETFUND interventions.
He said: “Let me be clear, institutions that consistently fail to access, utilise or retire funds appropriately, or that fall short of enrollment and academic performance thresholds, risk being delisted as TETFUND beneficiary institutions.”
He also disclosed the intention of TETFUND to ensure that its resources were directed towards institutions that were committed to high standards of governance, transparency, and accountability.
Echono said the strategic engagement was targeted at addressing recurring challenges in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, improving project execution, and enhancing the quality of education.
A key focus, he said, was the Academic Staff Training and Development (AST&D) intervention.
He said due to rising costs and incidents of scholars absconding, the foreign component of the TETFUND Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) was suspended as of January 1, 2025 with emphasis now shifted to cost-effective, locally driven training.
Echono said this year’s intervention budget prioritises consolidation, sustainability, and the completion of abandoned projects.
He added: “This engagement is not merely a meeting but a strategic convergence. It is designed to address recurring issues of concern, streamline project implementation, and enhance the overall quality of tertiary education delivery in our nation.
“As we move forward, let us approach today’s discussions with openness, collaboration, and a shared vision to elevate our institutions and the students we serve.
“Together, we can strengthen accountability, drive innovation, and ensure that the legacy of TETFUND remains impactful, equitable and enduring for generations to come.”
Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Ribadu emphasised the importance of the meeting for evaluating the implementation and impact of TETFUND – supported projects in higher education institutions.
The NUC chief, who was represented by Dr. Joshua Atah appreciated TETFUND’s vital role in improving infrastructure, research, staff development, and academic quality, stating that without its support, public education would struggle to survive.
Prof. Ribadu acknowledged the adaptability of TETFUND’s policies, such as suspending international scholarships to reallocate resources more effectively.
He urged tertiary institutions to be more responsive and ensure that interventions were relevant and efficiently executed.
Ribadu encouraged judicious and timely use of funds and called for open and constructive dialogue during the engagement.
“This calls for greater responsiveness also on the part of the institutions. This responsiveness also includes the areas of the design and implementation of these interventions to ensure that they remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with the future of education in Nigeria.
“It’s also important that we judiciously utilise these resources, and not just judicious utilisation but also in a timely manner so that we don’t lose the fund,” he said.
News
Again, Boko Haram reportedly attack military base in Borno

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked a Nigerian Army base in Marte , the headquarters of Marte Local Government Area of Borno State with casualties
The terrorists attacked the 153 Task Force Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOab) at around 3am on Monday, according to the locals and security sources.
They said the terrorists also burnt armoured tanks and seized arms and ammunition from the base during the attack.
“ISWAP has taken over Marte. An unspecified number of soldiers were killed, some captured, and many others fled towards Dikwa.
“They are currently at the 24 Task Force Brigade in Dikwa,” a source said.
Recent terrorist attacks have targeted several military formations in Borno and Yobe, including Sabon Gari and Buni Yadi, with the latest being the attack on the 153 Task Force Battalion.
Attempts to reach Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, were unsuccessful as he didn’t answer calls or respond to text messages.
News
Taraba Woos Global Investors Ahead of Landmark Economic Summit

…Taravest 2025 to Unlock Opportunities in agric, energy, mining
…as state offers peace, resources, incentives
By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government and Government of Taraba State have called on the international community and private sector players to partner with Taraba in unlocking the state’s massive investment potentials across agriculture, energy, mining, and tourism.
This call comes ahead of the Taraba International Investment Summit (Taravest), with the theme: “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials, Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining and Industrialization for sustainable development “, scheduled for May 21, 2025, in Jalingo, Taraba state.
Speaking at the diplomatic preparatory briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who was represented by Ambassador Anderson Madubike commended the initiative, describing it as a platform that aligns with Nigeria’s economic diplomacy agenda.
“I wish to commend His Excellency and indeed the Government of Taraba State for convening this timely summit, particularly at this time when the whole world is in need of creating a travelling investment climate through co-location. There is therefore the need for partnership between governments, private sector players, and civil societies,” the Minister stated.
He emphasised that Taravest represents “a collective pursuit of development and prosperity, not only for Taraba State, but indeed for the whole world.
“They have enormous resources—we’re talking about gold, we’re talking about uranium, and many others, and of course agriculture, fertile land, which you know, food, is the way to go”, he added.
Ambassador Madubike noted that the theme for the summit, themed “Unlocking Taraba’s Investment Potentials: Advancing Agriculture, Energy, Mining, and Industrialization for Sustainable Growth,” is expected to attract both local and international stakeholders.
“Our presence here signifies a commitment to making Taraba a model of investment and sustainable development,” he said.
In his address, the Executive Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and extended an open invitation to diplomats and investors.
Dr. Agbu highlighted the significance of the summit as the first of its kind since the state was created in 1991, and laid out three clear objectives.
“It is my great honor to welcome you to the Paivota Preparatory Meeting for the Taraba State International Investment Summit, Taravest 2025, in just nine days to come.
“To orient you to Taraba’s untapped potentials and the structure of the summit; to inspire your confidence in our security, infrastructure, and business environment; and to enlist your support in rallying investors, technical partners, and development agencies”, the governor said.
He emphasised Taraba’s strategic strengths, citing five core advantages, this is as he reassured guests about the state’s security readiness.
“Peace and security, over 44,000 km² of fertile land for agriculture, massive hydropower and solar capacity, rich mineral reserves including gold, barite, and lithium, and growing opportunities in tourism and the digital economy.
“I want to assure you that we have coordinated with the state security services, the Nigerian military, the Nigerian police, and our traditional rulers… to guarantee your safety”, he added.
The summit, he explained, will feature B2B and B2G matchmaking, policy dialogues, PPP frameworks, and guided site visits to model farms and mining zones.
“Taravest 2025 is more than a conference. It is a statement of fact that Taraba is open for transformative partnership. I invite you to leverage your good offices to mobilize your government and business communities,so that together we will convert promise into progress and unlock a future of shared prosperity”, Dr. Agbu added.
He also urged embassies to submit the names of participating investors and delegates by May 16, 2025, to ease logistics.
Taravest 2025, which will hold at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Jalingo, aims to attract capital, expertise, and innovation to transform Taraba into a thriving investment destination and economic powerhouse.
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