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NUPRC Fights Oil Diversion, Bans Export of Domestic Supply

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NUPRC Fights Oil Diversion, Bans Export of Domestic Supply

In an effort to increase domestic refinery capacity and decrease dependency on imported petroleum products, the Federal Government has prohibited the export of crude oil intended for domestic refineries.
It was understood that the goal of this step is to relieve pressure on foreign exchange reserves as well.
For years, dealers and producers have sought to profit from foreign exchange gains by diverting an estimated 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil intended for local processing to foreign markets.

Now, the government has issued a warning through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) that export permits will no longer be granted for crude oil cargoes designated for local refining.
Additionally, the commission stressed that its Chief Executive must directly approve any modifications to these allocations.

The Government Takes Diversionary Action
On February 2, 2025, NUPRC’s Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, wrote to exploration and production businesses and their equity partners, emphasizing that it is illegal to divert crude oil meant for domestic use.

Refiners and producers criticized one another for inconsistent use of the Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) regulation at a recent industry gathering attended by more than 50 important participants.

In order to find alternate feedstock sources, refiners accused producers of not fulfilling supply agreements and instead selling oil on the global market.

However, manufacturers contended that refiners frequently fall short of operational and commercial standards, forcing them to look for alternative markets in order to circumvent operational difficulties.

Both parties recognized the necessity for more stringent regulatory enforcement in spite of these disagreements.

Tightened Regulations
The NUPRC has cautioned against additional violations and urged refiners to adhere to global best practices in operations and procurement.

It was also emphasized to producers that they need the regulatory body’s express consent before changing the terms outlined in the DCSO regulation.

Komolafe highlighted that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, specifically Section 109, is intended to ensure Nigeria’s energy security by providing a consistent supply of crude oil to domestic refineries.

He reaffirmed that in order to hold defaulters accountable, the commission would enforce compliance rigorously and take appropriate regulatory action.

In order to guarantee compliance, the NUPRC has implemented a number of measures, such as signing the “Production Curtailment and Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation Regulation 2023” and creating a framework for its implementation.

Naira-for-Crude Initiative Strengthening
Sources tell Vanguard that this most recent action is in line with the government’s “Naira-for-Crude” program, which guarantees that domestic refineries use naira to receive crude oil and use the local currency to sell refined products.

Nigeria would be able to better meet its local gasoline demand thanks to this move, which is also anticipated to strengthen the value of the naira.

How Car Gift Spark A Row Between Defence Minister, Matawalle, Former Commissioner

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How Car Gift Spark A Row Between Defence Minister, Matawalle, Former Commissioner

A car gift has sparked a row between the minister of state for defence and former governor of Zamfara state, Alhaji Bello Matawalle and his media handler, who also served as Information commissioner in his cabinet in the state, Malam Ibrahim Dosara.

It was gathered that controversy broke out between the minister and Dosara, a highly experienced British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, trained journalist, with a Facebook outrage alleged to have been sponsored by the minister against him.

In the Facebook post, the former information commissioner was terribly castigated by the minister ‘s facebookers, calling him all sort names, including blackmailing his patent rights.

According to findings, the row began when the minister ordered his aides to give the former commissioner a used car ( Mercedes 230 car 2005 model) which Dosara gifted out to one of his social media managers.

The action angered the minister and his allies which led to media attacks and campaign of columny against Dosara.

All efforts to reach out to either the minister of state defence or Ibrahim Dosara prove abortive.

Dosara has been a strong pillar in defending the minister of state for defense in the series of litigations, petitions, negative media attacks and image making.

Anyanwu Assumes Leadership as PDP National Secretary Amid Crisis

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Anyanwu Assumes Leadership as PDP National Secretary Amid Crisis

Governor Bala Mohammed’s 12-member PDP Governors Forum has rejected Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s decision to acknowledge Sunday Ude-Okoye as the party’s national secretary.
Anyanwu reportedly returned to work as the PDP’s National Secretary on Monday.
Just 48 hours prior, Anyanwu had appealed the security services to assist him in halting what he said was an attempt by the party’s 12 governors to instigate mayhem by appointing Hon. Sunday Ude-Okoye as a substitute for him.

Anyanwu entered the party’s National Secretariat at Wadata House through the service entrance behind the structure without any incident, according to Vanguard. After making small talk with the few secretariat employees on duty, he entered his office.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye have reportedly been instructed by the PDP’s Board of Trustees (BoT) to abstain from all next BoT meetings until the national secretary conflict is settled.

Read Also: Breaking: President Tinubu Approves Bill for Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni

This was included in the resolution that the Board of Directors reached during its most recent meeting, according to Leadership.

The BoT was “very disappointed with the way events turned out,” according to a source who talked to the news outlet.

At last week’s BoT meeting at the PDP’s national secretariat in Abuja, a physical altercation broke out as a result of Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye’s dispute over who should be the party’s national secretary. One of Anyanwu’s aides tried to physically prevent Ude-Okoye from attending the meeting, to which he was invited.

Ude-Okoye was escorted to the high table, but the BoT demanded that he attend the meeting.

The two candidates were asked by party elders “to stay away from BoT meetings until the issue is resolved,” according to sources at the meeting.

Breaking: President Tinubu Approves Bill for Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni

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Breaking: President Tinubu Approves Bill for Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoni

Under President Bola Tinubu’s signature, the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Ogoni, has been established.
On Monday, the presidency announced this in a brief statement posted on the X platform, its social media account.
According to the statement, the development represents a fulfillment of President Tinubu’s commitment.

“The Federal University of Environment and Technology (TAI) Establishment Bill 2024: Assented into Law by President Bol: Promise Kept,” the State House announcement said.
It was noted that President Tinubu recently urged the Ogoniland people to put their past grudges aside and give peace a chance.

The call was made by President Tinubu, who said that his administration will give peace, justice, and sustainable development in the region first priority during a meeting with a group of Ogoni people, leaders, and senior government officials at the Aso Rock Villa.

At the meeting, which was also attended by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and others, Tinubu fervently urged unity and healing, emphasizing that wounds cannot be healed while resentment remains.

President Tinubu asked for mutual understanding and inclusive consultation, and he gave National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu instructions to oversee the negotiations.

Read Also: Grammy: Davido Reacts as Tems Triumphs Over Him, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Others

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that the President praised the group for accepting the Federal Government-led discussion and emphasized the need of cooperation, trust, and inclusivity in resolving persistent problems in the area.

Grammy: Davido Reacts as Tems Triumphs Over Him, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Others

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Grammy: Davido Reacts as Tems Triumphs Over Him, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Others

The afrobeat musician David Adeleke, better known by his stage name Davido, has congratulated his colleague Temilade Openiyi, better known by her stage name Tems, on her victory at the 67th Grammy Awards on Sunday for Best African Music Performance.
Tems was reportedly the winner of the award for her song “Love Me JeJe.”

Davido posted on his X Twitter on Monday to express his pride in Tems, the incredible singer, following her winning at the music award gala.

His writing said, “Congratulations to my one and only! Chris Brown! Additionally, we are proud of you, Queen @temsbaby.

Read Also: Pastor Adeboye Urges Nigerians to Take Precautions Against Fire Disasters

Tems has been putting out successful tracks since 2020, working with well-known artists like Drake, Rihanna, and Beyoncé on her recordings.

The most nominated African performer this year, she was nominated in three categories: Best R&B Song, Best Global Music Album, and Best African Music Performance.

In 2024, the singer’s first studio album, “Born in the Wild,” had the highlight song “Love me jeje.”

Pastor Adeboye Urges Nigerians to Take Precautions Against Fire Disasters

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Pastor Adeboye Urges Nigerians to Take Precautions Against Fire Disasters

In light of the impending tragedies, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has urged Nigerians to take preventative action against fire breakouts.
At the church’s February Thanksgiving service at the Throne of Grace Parish in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye stressed the importance of prayer, vigilance, and taking preventative measures in order to avert preventable catastrophes.

Pastor Adeboye asked people, companies, and government organizations to put fire safety first by making sure electrical appliances are handled properly, utilizing fire-resistant materials, and following fire prevention recommendations, according to the information gathered.
His warning comes as Nigeria has seen numerous fire accidents that have destroyed property and claimed lives in public buildings, residential areas, and markets.

“I need to share something very urgent,” said Pastor Adeboye.

Praying against fire breakouts, storms, and floods was one of the prophecies made at the start of this year. The number of fire accidents worldwide has already been seen in just one month. Prayer is necessary since Nigeria is a part of the world.

The cleric emphasized that negligence might have disastrous results and explicitly counseled farmers getting their land ready for cultivation to avoid bush burning.

“Don’t joke with any kind of naked fire around you,” he cautioned.

“As you prepare your farms, farmers, please refrain from burning shrubs. Please don’t claim I didn’t tell you. May our petitions be granted and our prayers answered by the All-Powerful God.

During his lecture titled “The Covenant-Keeping God,” Pastor Adeboye reminded the congregation that following God’s covenant guarantees His blessings and fidelity.

“If you obey and keep God’s covenant, He will make you His peculiar treasure,” Adeboye stated, quoting biblical accounts of people who were blessed by God for obeying.

Additionally, he cited the late founder of RCCG as evidence of God’s ability to uphold covenants.

“God summoned this church’s founder, a man who never went to high school or college. God promised him that if he followed specific guidelines, He would use him to launch a church that would grow all over the world. Since the founder met God’s requirements, RCCG is now present almost everywhere in the world, Pastor Adeboye recalled.

Adeboye rejected ideas that the church’s expansion was entirely attributable to his scholarly accomplishments.

According to the RCCG General Overseer, some people attribute it to academician Pastor Adeboye. However, I haven’t been to many of the RCCG churches in nations where church constructions are prohibited. In one Muslim nation, despite his wife’s protests, a powerful man asked our missionaries to establish a church in his yard. That is God’s covenant; it has nothing to do with me.

Assuring the assembly that God is still true to those who uphold His covenant, he exhorted them to cherish their connection with Him and hold tight to it.

Even though some individuals fast and pray more than we do, God has showed us incredible love. God would make you His unique treasure if you uphold His covenant, Pastor Adeboye said.

Jimoh Ibrahim Urges Donald Trump to Dialogue with Tinubu as China Expands Influence in Africa

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Jimoh Ibrahim Urges Donald Trump to Dialogue with Tinubu as China Expands Influence in Africa

U.S. President Donald Trump should speak with President Bola Tinubu about ways to strengthen American influence in Africa and stop Chinese infiltration, according to Jimoh Ibrahim, a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He claimed that the US president has a good chance to meet with Tinubu and talk about the country’s political involvement in Africa.
The Nigerian leader has already been contacted by BRICS+, a 10-member political and economic entity with Chinese influence, regarding economic alignment and the possibility of trading in China’s Yuan, according to Ibrahim, a sitting senator from Ondo South District in the 10th National Assembly.
The Nigerian leader has already been contacted by BRICS+, a 10-member economic and political entity with Chinese influence, regarding economic alignment and the possibility of trading in China’s currency, according to Ibrahim, a sitting senator from Ondo South District in the 10th National Assembly.
Ibrahim stated, “Dennis Trump has a very good opportunity to sit down with Tinubu as an African leader and understand the political engagement that we have here because China is already infiltrating Africa,” while appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.

Read Also: FG Seeks Resolution with NLC Over 50% Telecom Tariff Protest

The senator claimed that China has begun its drive to become Africa’s economic superpower and that the US has to have urgent talks with some of the continent’s leaders in order to curb China’s expanding influence.

“China provided loans to numerous African nations to construct seaports, airports, and other infrastructure, but what is China seeking?” Ibrahim asked. The legitimacy of the continent.

China has also approached Bola Tinubu to offer him the opportunity to trade in our currency. “Increase the volume of trade, and increase my benefit before I come to you,” is Ginubu’s response to their question. They return home and give it some thought.

In terms of the hegemonic leadership of the world and its acceptability, Africa will eventually be viewed by China and America as the primary goal of the geocentric political system.

FG Seeks Resolution with NLC Over 50% Telecom Tariff Protest

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FG Seeks Resolution with NLC Over 50% Telecom Tariff Protest

To avert the statewide demonstration against the 50% increase in telecom rates that is set for tomorrow, February 4, the Federal Government has called a critical meeting today with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership and its civil society supporters.
According to what was learned, the NLC’s opposition to the ₦8 billion annual allocation for electricity bill sensitization—which the labor organization has referred to as “the height of profligacy, wastefulness, and corruption”—will also be discussed.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which is organizing the meeting, confirmed to Vanguard that it will start at 5 p.m.
As per the source, the interaction is a “discussion on issues of national interest as they impact the Nigerian workers.”

With the SGF spearheading talks on the government’s intention to modify telecom rates—a move that has been fiercely opposed by the NLC and its allies—the meeting is anticipated to be interministerial.

During the meeting, the federal government’s planned budgeted allocation of ₦8 billion for power bill sensitization in 2025 would also be discussed. Additionally, the source stated that the meeting had to be scheduled at 5 p.m. on Monday following the FEC meeting due to other government-scheduled meetings.

Although NLC officials have consented to attend the conference and hear the government’s viewpoint, they have not wavered in their opposition, declaring that “the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs is unacceptable.”

In the meantime, the NLC has stated its unwavering opposition to the 50% hike in telecom charges and has continued to rally the public and employees for tomorrow’s large-scale demonstration.

Emma Ugboaja, the general secretary of the NLC, directed all state councils and affiliate unions to guarantee complete mobilization for the protest in a letter dated January 30.

The protest is intended to make the government aware of the financial strain on Nigerian workers and residents, he underlined.

State councils were instructed in the letter to plan a nonviolent rally in state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that would start at 7:00 a.m.

To voice their opposition to the tariff increase, demonstrators are anticipated to march to State Houses of Assembly or National Communications Commission (NCC) offices.

Regardless of how the conference turns out, Labour leaders have sworn they will not accept the 50% hike in telecom tariffs.

“Your steadfast assistance and action are essential to protecting our country and ourselves from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats during this time of extreme adversity,” the NLC said.

Political Actors Using Abure to Weaken Labour Party – Ndubuaku

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Political Actors Using Abure to Weaken Labour Party – Ndubuaku

Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, the deputy president of the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission, has argued that some individuals are funding the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party in an effort to undermine the party.
He made the argument in an interview with Punch on Monday, when he discussed the turmoil engulfing the Labour Party and the reasons behind the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) refusal to acknowledge Abure as the party’s National Chairman.
According to Ndubuaku, Abure is merely operating a publicity apparatus, and the truth will be exposed shortly.

“The folks behind Abure are known to us. I am unsure if you are aware of Abure’s indictment by the Inspector General of Police when I speak to you. Know? “I said that during the interview.”
Furthermore, Abure has not been charged in court despite the current indictment against him, according to Professor Ndubuaku. Abure, he further claimed, falsified court records.

Yes. It isn’t vacated yet. He is never brought before a judge. That was the formal wording of an indictment letter. He was not prosecuted, however. The Abure in question is the same one who falsified court records. We’re waiting to see what the court says and whether it will try to pressure him into joining the Labour Party. “This man has been rejected by the sole governor in his party,” he continued.

The recent decision by the Appeal Court regarding the leadership of the Labour Party, according to Ndubuaku, is not a support for Abure’s stance.

to bringing the case to the Supreme Court, the attorneys are reviewing the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the ruling, he continued.

He claims that what sets the Labour Party apart from other political parties in the nation is that it was started and is owned by workers.

“This propaganda machine of Abure’s can distort anything,” he continued. The first question to ask yourself if you are considering a Supreme Court case is: what is the ruling? You have to view the ruling you plan to present to the Supreme Court. According to the Appeal Court, the matter of LP leadership before the lower courts was only an academic exercise, thus it shouldn’t have been there in the first place, based on their own arguments.

Read Also: Telecom Tariff: NLC Planned Protest Not In Public Interest, CSOs Tell Labour

This implies that the entire matter of Abure being the LP’s leader is irrelevant in that ruling. We simply waited to see and examine the CTC before acting.

“They also stated that the court had neither authority nor any business with a party’s leadership decision. As a result, if the Appeal Court declares that a lower court has no commercial dealings with a party’s leadership, the Appeal Court no longer ought to do so either. They therefore cannot rule on a matter that they claim is outside the purview of a subordinate court.

“The issue now returns to the consent judgment that is still in effect, which is a decision that cannot be challenged. It is a consent judgment, so it cannot be vacated and has not been vacated. Abure did not inherit it; rather, he signed and entered into it.

“There is a limit to the extent to which you can try to destroy or succeed in destroying a party, particularly if that party is part of an institution, in light of the fact that Abure is being supported by those who wish to undermine the Labour Party. Perhaps you won’t know who founded or owns it when they pass away because this isn’t a party that a group of individuals came together to start. This is not a party where you may join without institutional membership. Instead of having individual members in its organs, this party has its owners as permanent members.

Telecom Tariff: NLC Planned Protest Not In Public Interest, CSOs Tell Labour

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Telecom Tariff: NLC Planned Protest Not In Public Interest, CSOs Tell Labour

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups (CHRMG) has condemned the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) planned protest against the 50% telecom tariff increase, describing it as “misguided and not in the public interest.”

The CSOs said the tariff hike, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is a necessary measure to prevent the telecom sector from collapsing.

According to Dr. Gabriel Agibi, President of the group, with the current inflation rate at 34.8%, a nearly 300% increase from 8.5% in 2013, the tariff adjustment is essential to reflect economic realities.

Agibi said the NCC’s decision was made in good faith, taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

He added that the tariff hike is also crucial in ensuring that Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive with international standards.

“The last telecom tariff increase was in 2013 when Nigeria’s inflation rate was 8.5%. However, with the current inflation rate at 34.8%, a nearly 300% increase, the tariff adjustment is essential to reflect economic realities,” Agabi said.

“The NCC’s decision was made in good faith, taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability. The increase will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, ensuring that it does not unduly burden consumers.

“The tariff hike is also crucial in ensuring that Nigeria’s telecom sector remains competitive with international standards. Compared to other countries, Nigeria’s telecom tariffs are relatively low.

“For instance, in South Africa, the average cost of 1GB of data is around ₦1,200, while in Ghana, it is around ₦1,500. In Nigeria, the average cost of 1GB of data is around ₦500. The tariff hike will help to bridge this gap and ensure that telecom operators can invest in infrastructure and provide quality services to consumers.

“The tariff hike is also essential for the Nigerian government’s digital economy agenda, which aims to leverage technology to drive economic growth and development.

“With increased revenue from tariffs, telecom operators will be able to invest in expanding their networks, improving internet speeds, and developing new digital services, ultimately supporting the government’s efforts to create a more digital and connected society.”

Read Also: 2027: Coalition Dismisses PDP, Scouts for Presidential Candidate Among Obi, Atiku, El-Rufai, Others

The Coalition commended President Tinubu’s administration for its efforts to reform the telecom sector, ensuring its sustainability and growth.

Agabi said the President’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment is laudable, and the coalition believes that this tariff adjustment is a step in the right direction.

However, the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Groups urged the NLC to reconsider its stance and engage in constructive dialogue with the NCC and other stakeholders.

“We warn the NLC that its actions may have unintended consequences, including harming the very people it claims to represent,” Dr. Agibi said.

“We urge the NLC to prioritize the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens by supporting policies that promote economic growth and development.”

The coalition urged Nigerians to look beyond the short-term pains of the tariff hike and consider the long-term benefits it will bring to the telecom sector and the economy as a whole.

According to Agabi, a stronger and more sustainable telecom sector will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for Nigerians.

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