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APC group hails NNPCL, marketers over plan to distribute Dangote fuel across Nigeria
…asks Kyari to fix local refineries, not only MoUs with Dangote
Foremost youth group within the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), has hailed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and major oil marketers for deciding to lift and distribute fuel from the Dangote refinery to end users across the country.
The group, APC Vanguard for Optimum Transparency and Accountability (APC-VOTA), also called on the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the NNPCL, Malam Mele Kyari, to live up to his promises by making the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries operational.
In a statement Wednesday morning by the President, Engr. Shola Olatunji, and Secretary, Amb. Waheed Isiaka, the group expressed optimism that, by patronizing the locally refined petroleum products, the nation’s economy will stabilize, as the naira will gain heavily against foreign currencies, hence, importation of refined products will be discouraged.
“Aside making the products to be available across the country, thereby defeating the usual artificial scarcity during the yuletide, lifting from Dangote refinery will also strengthen our currency against foreign currencies and make our economy to pick again.
“It will also save Nigerians from buying adulterated and high sulphur density petroleum products currently being imported into the country by some unscrupulous oil marketers, under the supervision of the so called regulators who value their pockets more than the welfare of the people.
“Above all, this will save Nigerian government a whooping N24 trillion yearly, as it currently imports Petroleum products by paying N2tr every month.
“This is a noble decision and all of us at APC-VOTA welcome this step wholeheartedly, as it will better the lives of Nigerians and will reduce hardship currently being faced”, the statement read.
On the need to rehabilitate the ailing local refineries, the group said it was obvious that Kyari lacks the capacity to make Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries work again.
“It’s obvious to all Nigerians that Kyari lacks what it takes to fix our refineries. Despite trillions of naira injected into the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries, there is nothing to show for it and the man is not saying anything again, after running lost of excuses.
“Keeping such man any longer is tantamount to keeping an infested ripe fruit, since you can’t eat it, just remove it neatly, because the more you leave it there, the more it infest other fruits, untill the whole system will become compromised and collapsed.
“The only solution to the fuel crisis in Nigeria is the sack of Kyari and our refineries working. Anything less is tantamount to prolonging our doomsday”, the group added.
Recall that the NNPCL said it has stopped importing refined petroleum products and is now off-taking fuel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other local refineries.
The NNPCL’s GCEO, Kyari, disclosed this on Monday at a conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, in Lagos.
…commend his leadership qualities, contribution to national development
By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives’ Committee onthe Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Muktar Betara has congratulated Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago on his 51st birthday.
Rep. Betara who represents Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno State, in a congratulatory message admitted Governor Bago’s relentless advocacy for Nigerites as well as the meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development while serving as Member of the House of Representatives.
Thrilled by the leadership qualities of Governor Bago, he applauded various unprecedented developmental projects initiated since his assumption of office in 2023.
He said: “Your Excellency, on this special occasion of your 51st birthday, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you.
“This milestone is a testament to a life dedicated to public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the progress of Niger State and Nigeria at large.
“As the Governor of Niger State, your visionary leadership has continued to inspire hope and transformation across various sectors.
“Your dedication to infrastructural development, education, healthcare, and especially, agriculture, and security has significantly improved the lives of the people, reinforcing your reputation as a leader who prioritises the welfare of his people.
“Your efforts in fostering economic growth and good governance have set a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
“Before assuming office as Governor, your impactful tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives was marked by your relentless advocacy for your constituents and meaningful contributions to legislative processes that shaped national development.
“As you celebrate this new chapter of your life, may you continue to be blessed with wisdom, strength, and good health to steer Niger State toward greater heights. Happy birthday !”
…as currency swap boosting bilateral trade
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian government is deepening economic collaboration with China to drive industrialisation and economic diversification.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known when she received the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, in Abuja.
The Minister emphasised that Nigeria’s longstanding ties with China, spanning over five decades, align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic expansion and resilience.
Outlining key areas where Nigeria seeks Chinese support, including electric vehicle production, digital technology, renewable energy, and agriculture, Amb. Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged China’s significant role in Nigeria’s road and rail infrastructure development and noted that the country is taking concrete steps to modernize its ports and power sector to attract more investment.
She also highlighted the importance of cultural ties, and noted the growing interest among Nigerian youths in learning the Chinese language.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its economic partnership with China, highlighting that the ongoing currency swap agreement is already enhancing trade relations between both nations.
“It’s quite interesting that a large population of Nigeria youth is inching towards Chinese Language. A lot of Nigerian Universities are desirous to offer Chinese Language. Chinese had become the language of trade in the world.
“Nigeria-China will continue to relate not just bilaterally but multilaterally.
“We expect that we will continue to get the support of China but we will always reciprocate that multilaterally.
“In line with President Tinubu’s plan to industrialise Nigeria, we expect Chinese cooperation in establishing assembly plants of electric vehicles; digital communication, renewable energy, all aspects of digital technology, agriculture because of food insecurity as the government is interested in seeing that food gets to the poorest of the poor. Government is not just talking about food but has established a separate Ministry of Livestock,” the minister stated.
She urged China to extend trade tariff exemptions to its exports, similar to the concessions already granted to 33 other African nations, emphasising that the Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes stronger ties between citizens and deeper country-to-country partnerships.
In response, Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigeria, describing the country as a key strategic partner. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to China and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) had elevated diplomatic and economic engagements between both nations.
Amb. Yu highlighted ongoing collaborations in infrastructure, including roads, railway modernization, power, industrial parks, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port. He disclosed that trade volume between the two nations exceeded $21 billion last year, with Nigeria’s exports to China accounting for over 25% of this figure.
He further underscored the role of manufacturing in industrialization, pointing to the recently renewed $2 billion currency swap agreement as a tool to enhance financial cooperation, boost bilateral trade, and attract more investment.
Expressing optimism about the future, the envoy stated that these efforts would ultimately yield tangible benefits for ordinary citizens in both countries.
He said: “We have a comprehensive strategic partnership with Nigeria. China would want Nigeria to play a big role in the international scene. We want Nigeria to become a member of G-20. These will all provide opportunity for China and Nigeria to further work together closely.
“For China, we have been very consistent. We give grant to any African countries; we don’t give any conditions.”
He further acknowledged that it was important that the two countries met to review how far they have performed in their bilateral cooperation.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The ex-Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Professor Tom Adaba is dead.
The veteran journalists died on Saturday peacefully in Abuja.
The late Adaba was born in July 2nd, 1941
According to Chief Adinoyi Joe Anivasa JP, Secretary Egbira Elders Forum Abuja on Saturday stated as follows, “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and Leader, Prof Tom A Adaba just answered the call of nature by giving up his ghost to the Lord this morning.
“Further details about his burial arrangements would be communicated later.
“We thank God for his life. May God have mercy on his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal peaceful rest in His Heavenly Kingdom, Amen.
He was the first Nigerian (between 1988 and 1992) to be honoured as president of the African Council for Communication Education.
Betara Celebrates Governor Bago @51
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Economic Ties with China
Painful! Former NBC DG ,Prof Tom Adaba is dead
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