News

Motorists in Anambra in tears as fuel hits N1,400 per litre

Published

3 months ago

September 8, 2024

Motorists and commuters in Anambra State are groaning over the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol.

Our correspondent who monitored petrol situations and motor parks in major cities across the state, on Saturday, gathered that a litre of petrol sold for N1,400 in Onitsha, N1,300 in Nnewi, N1,300 in Ekwulobia and N1,200 in some parts of Awka.

Most petrol stations visited in these cities sold the product from N1,200 upward, except Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited which sold less.

Although the NNPCL petrol stations were not currently dispensing, they had long queues of vehicles waiting for them.

A filling station manager at the NNPCL in Awka, who pleaded anonymity, said they were not dispensing because they had run out of stock and waiting for supply.

“We are not currently dispensing at the moment because we have run out of stock and waiting for a new supply. Most of the vehicles you see in the queues have been there for over three days.

“We did not sell for some days because we had to wait for a directive on the new pump price. And when the directive came, we had to adjust our meter to reflect the new price.

“We were selling between N780 and 820 and when the directive came, we adjusted to N920, although, the price fluctuates. Our action depends on the signals we get, it is not by our making,” he said.

As a result of the development, transportation fares have continued to soar by as much as over 50 per cent daily, thereby leaving commuters to restrict their movements to certain areas.

For instance, movement from Onitsha to Awka which used to be N1,000 is now N1,600, and Upper Iweka to Oba which used to be N500 now goes for above N700. Likewise, every other route has been increased significantly.

Checks by our correspondent also showed that the development has impacted negatively on the prices of communities, especially foodstuffs as food vendors have also continued to hike their prices on the excuse of “high cost of transportation”.

A commercial bus driver, Mr Okey Udo, who plies the Onitsha-Nnewi routes, said, “The fuel situation is making life unbearable for us as we now spend most of our income on buying fuel. As a result of this, most of us have resorted to operating only during peak hours to quickly recoup the money we spend on fuel.

“This is because passengers are no longer on the roads as it used to be because most people have reduced their movement while some have resorted to trekking. Drivers are now working for filling station owners and spare parts dealers, from the little we make a day.”

A resident of Nnewi, Mr Nkechi Udeh, who trekked a long distance from Triangle Roundabout to the local secretariat, said before the latest fuel hike, tricycle operators were collecting N200, but now raised the fare to N400.

“I have resorted to trekking to work at the secretariat in order not to be stranded since I am still very fit and strong. If not for the dangers, I would have used my bicycle for the movement. But you know, it is a very busy road, and riding a bicycle on such a road is not advisable.

“A lot of people are now trekking to their various destinations. I don’t blame them, the current economic hardship is telling on everyone, the government should please, do something to help the masses.”

A commuter in Awka, Ifeoma Uzor, said, “This fuel situation is gradually getting out of hand and regrettably, those concerned are just watching. This is a shame for a country.

“I am at the park at Aroma Junction in Awka, to board a commercial vehicle going to Nnewi. It used to be N1,200, but today, it’s almost N1,800. Look at the suffering the common man is passing through in the country while our leaders don’t show empathy.”

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”