Blog

IOCs plotting for our failure – Dangote Refinery

Refinery
By Yunus Yusuf
Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Mr Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Dangote Oil and Gas Industries, has accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria of trying to frustrate the survival of Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals.
Edwin told the newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.
Edwin alleged that the IOCs were deliberately and wilfully frustrating the refinery’s efforts to buy local crude by jerking up high premium price above the market price.
He claimed that this forced Dangote to import crude from countries as far as the United States, with its attendant high costs.
Edwin lamented the activity of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in granting licences, indiscriminately, to marketers to import dirty refined products into the country.
He said, “The federal government issued 25 licences to build refinery, and we are the only one that delivered on promise.
“In effect, we deserve every support from the government. It is good to note that from the start of production, more than 3.5 billion litres, which represents 90 per cent of our production, have been exported.
“We are calling on the federal government and regulators to give us the necessary support in order to create jobs and prosperity for the nation,” he said.
He claimed that while the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) was trying its best to allocate the crude for the company, the IOCs were deliberately and willfully frustrating all efforts to buy the local crude.
“It would be recalled that the NUPRC, recently met with crude oil producers as well as refineries owners in Nigeria, in a bid to ensure full adherence to Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligations (DCSO), as enunciated under section 109(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
“It seems that the IOCs’ objective is to ensure that our Petroleum Refinery fails. It is either they are deliberately asking for ridiculous/humongous premium or, they simply state that crude is not available.
“At some point, we paid six dollars over and above the market price. This has forced us to reduce our output as well as import crude from countries as far as the US, increasing our cost of production.
“It appears that the objective of the IOCs is to ensure that Nigeria remains a country which exports Crude Oil and imports refined Petroleum Products.
“They (IOCs) are keen on exporting the raw materials to their home countries, creating employment and wealth for their countries, adding to their GDP, and dumping the expensive refined products into Nigeria – thus making us to be dependent on imported products,” he added.
Edwin said: “It is the same strategy the multinationals have been adopting in every commodity, making Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to be facing unemployment and poverty, while they create wealth for themselves at our expense.
“This is exploitation – pure and simple. Unfortunately, the country is also playing into their hands by continuing to issue import licences, at the expense of our economy, and at the cost of the health of the Nigerians who are exposed to carcinogenic products.
“In spite of the fact that we are producing and bringing out diesel into the market, complying with ECOWAS regulations and standards, licences are being issued, in large quantities, to traders who are buying the extremely high sulphur diesel from Russia and dumping it in the Nigerian Market.
“Since the US, EU and UK imposed a Price Cap Scheme from 5th February, 2023 on Russian Petroleum Products, a large number of vessels are waiting near Togo with Russian ultra-high sulphur diesel and, they are being purchased and dumped into the Nigerian Market.

“In fact, some of the European countries were so alarmed about the carcinogenic effect of the extra high sulphur diesel being dumped into the Nigerian market that countries like Belgium and the Netherlands imposed a ban on such fuel being exported from its country, into West Africa, recently.
“It is sad that the country is giving import licences for such dirty diesel to be imported into Nigeria when we have more than adequate petroleum refining capacity locally,” he said. (NAN)(nannews.ng)
YO/AWA
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Editedby Olawunmi Ashafa
June 23, 2024
Creatives, civil societies join forces to advance democracy in West Africa

Creatives
By Oluwatope Lawanson
Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS), an independent civil society-led transnational democracy solidarity network, has urged collaboration between Civil Societies and Creatives to drive social change in the region.
Dr Kojo Asante of WADEMOS made the call at the launch of ‘DemoCreatives’, in collaboration with Yiaga Africa, Centre for Democracy Development-Ghana (CDD- Ghana), Africtivistes and AWO Hub, held at Victoria Island in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘DemoCreatives’ is an innovative initiative to collaborate with creatives to promote democracy.
NAN also reports that WADEMOS mobilises, coordinates, and leverages the collective power of civil society and other pro-democracy actors, resources, and opportunities within the West African region to advance, defend, and reinvigorate democracy.
They also promote democratic norms and reforms in the sub-region.
Asante, who is also a Senior Research Officer at CDD-Ghana, emphasised the need for civil societies and creatives to join forces to bring about social change in West Africa.
According to him, the region is in dire need of a new narrative, as many citizens feel disillusioned and hopeless.
He believed that creatives have a crucial role to play in inspiring change but noted that many had shifted their focus from activism to business in recent years.
To bridge the gap between civil societies and creatives, Asante suggested leveraging artist expressions to confront social challenges.
He cited the popularity of afro-pop music in Nigeria as an example, noting that musicians have the influence to shape people’s thinking and encourage them to take action.
Asante, therefore, urged civil societies and creatives to work together to keep the civil space open and encourage people to speak out against oppression.
Obianuju Udeh, a renowned Nigerian Disc Jockey, popularly known as DJ Switch, in her virtual keynote address, urged civil societies and creatives to come together, re-strategise, and make a meaningful impact.
According to her, it is imperative that both parties join forces in the fight for democracy and human rights.
She emphasised the power of art in reflecting society’s trials, struggles, and dreams, and its ability to nurture critical thinking and empathy.
DJ Switch highlighted the historical impact of art on social movements, citing examples such as the late king of Afro beat, Fela Anikulapo’s music and the role of literature in exposing injustice.
She encouraged civil societies to reimagine their funding strategies and collaborate with creatives to amplify their message and reach a wider audience.
“There is need for unity and strategic alliance between civil societies and creatives to combat the enemies of democracy and human rights.
“We need to spend money to get the big guns to be involved.
“Art is not a luxury, it is a necessity for a dying democracy, ” she said.
Also, Cynthia Mbamalu, Director of Programmes, Yiaga Africa, said that democratic practices, not just labels, remained essential for a functioning democracy.
According to her, Democreatives, is a movement that leverages art and creativity to promote democracy and good governance in West Africa.
“Expression, a fundamental human right, is crucial for democracy, and this partnership seeks to protect and promote free expression and press freedom.
“By working together, we hope to inspire hope and democracy in neighboring countries, leading to economic empowerment, inclusive growth, and development.
“With WADEMOS leading the charge, this collaboration brings together artists, musicians, creatives, and civil society partners to advance democratic development in Africa, ” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LAW/CHOM/VIV
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

June 23, 2024
Alia to construct community roads to enhance food transportation
Alia to construct community roads to enhance food transportation
Road
By Emmanuel Antswen
Apa (Benue) June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue says the State Government will build the Obagaji-Okokolo-Agagbe Road for easy transportation of farm produce from the agrarian communities on that corridor to urban centers.
Alia said this on Sunday, while addressing the APC supporters from APA/Agatu Federal Constituency during his “thank you” tour, organised at Central Primary School, Ugboko, APA Local Government Area (LGAs).
He said that the road, when constructed, would connect Agatu and Gwer Gwer LGAs and further address the serious security challenges within the axis.
He said the road would also help to boost the socioeconomic life in the two LGAs.
He also promised to construct more roads within the federal constitutuency with time.
The governor affirmed his administration’s resolve to execute projects, policies and programmes that would have direct impact on the masses.
He also assured all decampees into the APC that under his watch they would enjoy equal benefits from the party.
Earlier, the APC State Acting Chairman, Mr Benjamin Omakolo, also promised the no fewer than 2,000 persons, who defected from other political parties to APC, of equal treatment.
Omakolo charged them to continue to propagate the good work that the governor was doing in the state.
“Our champion governor, this crowd defecting from their former political parties to APC were attracted by the numerous achievements recorded by your administration within one year.
“Come rain, come shine, we will deliver you in 2027,” Omakolo said.
Sen. Barnabas Gemade said the elders were with the governor to give him fatherly support to achieve the development initiatives of his administration and “not for any appointments”.
The party’s candidate for Benue South Senatorial District in 2023, Dan Onjeh, described the governor as the champion of the masses.
Onjeh said that the governor had demonstrated uncommon quality by changing the leadership narrative of the state and bringing development to all parts in his one year in office. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AEB/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah
June 23, 2024
Bago calls for review of hajj operations
Bago calls for review of Hajj operations
Hajj
By Mohammed Baba Busu
Niger, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has called for the review of activities of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)
This is contained in a statement signed by Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor in Minna on Sunday.
Bago made the call in an interview with newsmen in Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to assess this year’s Hajj operation.
He expressed concern over the way NAHCON turned itself to an operator of Hajj activities instead of playing regulatory roles.
The governor who recounted the hitches pilgrims encountered, described the 2024 Hajj exercise as a failure.
He suggested that Hajj operation should be private sector-driven for effective and efficient service delivery.
Bago said that he will lead a Committee of state governors to meet relevant authorities for a review of the commission.
“Let the private sector drive Hajj operations, NAHCON should be a regulator at the centre.
“I am leading a committee of Governors to the Nigeria Governor’s Forum, from there we go to the NEC.
“I will propose this motion and we will send a bill to the National Assembly where this issue of NAHCON would be reviewed.
“NAHCON is not helping matters, our Federal Government is too big to be worried about Hajj operations, these are supposed to be local government issues and not even State issues”, Bago said.
He said that the state governments should be able to organise pilgrimage, and engage agents from the private as it is done in other countries.
He called of for the probe of N90 billion subsidy paid by the Federal government for the Hajj operations.
The governor said that in spite the subsidy, some states including Niger still paid some billions of naira for the exercise.
He alleged that pilgrims were given only 400 dollars to take care of themselves for about 40 days, inspite the payment of N8 million by each pilgrim.
Bago said that the N90 billion would have made more impact if shared to states.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
BAB/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 23, 2024
Enyimba International beat Plateau United 2-0 to pick continental ticket
Enyimba
By Nicholas Obisike
Aba (Abia), June 24, 2024 (NAN) Enyimba International Football Club of Aba on Sunday defeated visiting Plateau United FC of Jos 2-0 to pick the ticket to play in the 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup competition.
The match day 38 fixture in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was played at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.
Chijioke Mbaoma opened scoring for the hosts in the 77th minute to give hope to the team’s supporters.
Alade Balogun made it 2-0 in the 87th minute to seal the win for Enyimba and ensure they finished third on the log with 63 points, behind Remo Stars who had 65 points.
In a post-match interview, Plateau United’s goalkeeper trainer, Cornelius Copar, said the match could have gone either way.
“It was a good game which we came prepared to win, but in the end Enyimba got the win and we accept the defeat in good faith.
“The first goal we conceded was due to loss of concentration and the second came when we were trying to get back into the game.
“We are not going to give up as we are going home to prepare for the next season,” he said.
Speaking also, Mbaoma who ended the match and season as NPFL highest goal scorer with 17 goals said he felt great to have achieved the feat.
“Scoring goals has been my dream and I say ‘thank you’ to my team mates, members of our technical crew and supporters who are the reason we are winning matches,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
NUO/JPE/OLAL
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Edited by Joseph Edeh and Olawale Alabi
June 23, 2024
Final standings in 2023/2024 NPFL
Standings
By Aderonke Ojo
Abuja, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Below are the final standings of clubs in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, following the conclusion of Match Day 38 fixtures on Sunday:
Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts
Rangers International FC 38 21 7 10 56 33 23 70
Remo Stars FC 38 20 5 13 53 39 14 65
Enyimba International FC 38 19 6 13 46 33 13 63
Shooting Stars FC 38 18 8 12 48 34 14 62
Plateau United FC 38 18 4 16 53 40 13 58
Lobi Stars FC 38 17 7 14 48 45 3 58
Katsina United FC 38 15 10 13 42 39 3 55
Rivers United FC 38 15 8 15 51 42 9 53
Bendel Insurance FC 38 14 11 13 32 30 2 53
Sunshine Stars FC 38 13 13 12 37 37 0 52
Kano Pillars FC 38 15 7 16 49 50 -1 52
Abia Warriors FC 38 15 7 16 42 45 -3 52
Kwara United FC 38 12 15 11 38 37 -1 51
Niger Tornadoes FC 38 14 9 15 38 41 -3 51
Bayelsa United FC 38 13 11 14 46 50 -4 50
Akwa United FC 38 14 7 17 44 42 -2 49
Sporting Lagos FC 38 12 10 16 39 44 -5 46
Doma United FC 38 11 11 16 26 42 -16 44
Heartland FC 38 9 11 18 36 50 -14 38
Gombe United FC 38 8 7 23 21 78 -57 25
*** Rangers International FC win title and qualify alongside Remo Stars FC for 2024/2025 CAF Champions League
*** Enyimba International FC qualify for 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup competition, to be joined in the competition by 2024 President Federation Cup winners
*** Sporting Lagos FC, Doma United FC, Heartland FC and Gombe United FC are all relegated to the lower league
Key —- MP (Matches Played), W (Win), D (Draw), L (Lose), GF (Goals For), GA (Goals Against), GD (Goals Difference), Pts (Points)
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
STJ/DOE/OLAL
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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong and Olawale Alabi
June 23, 2024
Davido releases pre-wedding photos
Artiste
By Dele Eniola
Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, on Sunday released pre-wedding pictures with his partner, Chioma Rowland.
Their traditional wedding is expected to hold on Tuesday in Lagos.
Davido posted the pictures via his verified Instagram handle, @davido, with the caption,#CHIVIDO2024.
Taking to the comment section of the post, Nigerian rapper and singer, Zlatan, wrote “ATIN YOU SEE AM”.
Digital content creator, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, wrote, “Congratulations to you and yours 001❤️”.
Another content creator, popularly known as brodashaggi, congratulated the couple with display of emojis-💕💍🥂.
Also, Bunkunmi Adeaga-Ilori, popularly known as kie kie, wrote, “Beautiful 🥰🥰🥰🥰”.
Nigerian businessman, socialist and philanthropist, Obi Cubana, wrote, “Ogo m!!!! ❤️✨✨✨✨✨”.

Rapper and songwriter, Folarin Falana , popularly known as Falz, commented with fire emojis-🔥🔥🔥.
Reality TV star, Tolani Shobajo, popularly known as Tonibaj, wrote, “I’m so happy!!!! @thechefchi❤️❤️❤️”.
Social media sensation and professional dancer, popularly known as Poco lee, wrote, “Otilo ❤️🎉🎉🎉”.
Other celebrities and fans also took to the comment section to congratulate the couple. (NAN)
ENI/FAA
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran
June 23, 2024
Securing tents closer to Jamrat will increase hajj fare- NAHCON
Tents
By Salisu Sani-Idris
Makkah(Saudi Arabia), June 23, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says intending pilgrims will pay more for Hajj fare to be able to stay in tents in Muna that are closer to Jamrat.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, stated this at a news conference held at the Commission’s headquarters in Makkah on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tent camps for Nigerians and other African countries are over three kilometers from Jamrat.
The Jamrat is where the symbolic stoning of the Devil takes place during the hajj rituals.
The distance means Nigerians had to make a one way journey of one hour to the place to do the stoning.
Arabi, however, said that Nigeria could get closer tents with increased fare which the commission was not currently considering.
“The issue of getting tents in Muna and Arafat is money. That is why you hear complaints of people paying so much money to get tent, but they don’t.
“The tent is pegged on payment close to 20,000 Saudi Riyal; imagine lumping that amount on Hajj fare to our intending pilgrims.
“So, it is the case of let me buy what I can afford. That was what we did. We bought the ones we can afford but with quality in it.
“If wishes were horses, all our pilgrims will be in Tent A, B or C.”
He said that the other option for the tent was early payment which for now was not feasible due to the culture of late payment of hajj fare in Nigeria.
He added that the commission was still awaiting reports on the challenges faced by some state governors and high personalities about access to Tent A.
“No Nigerian pilgrim will say he or she didn’t get a space while in Muna or food; but we know the challenges of inadequate toilets.”
The NAHCON boss stated that the commission was able to move Nigerians out of ghettos and got accommodation with improved services.
“Going forward, with Allah’s help in our capacity and currency gaining strength, we will get it right.”
He added that with the timetable for the 2025 Hajj released, it would ensure early preparation for participants and the money to be paid.
On the issue of illegal pilgrims, often referred to as Takari, Arabi said most of them operate in concert with some legal persons.(NAN)
SSI/IS
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
June 23, 2024
Efforts underway to tackle airport touts – Keyamo
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development ,Mr Festus Keyamo
Airports
By Gabriel Agbeja
Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo says the Federal Government is making efforts to tackle the menace of tours and extortionists at the nation’s airports.
The minister, who made this known on his verified X account (@fkeyamo) on Sunday, expressed sadness over prevalence of touts and extortionists at the country’s international airports.
Keyamo said he had received series of complaints from Nigerians concerning touts and extortionists that were giving the nation a negative image.
“Just to set the records straight, most of the agencies involved in this menace are not under the control of the aviation ministry, though they are stationed at our airports.
“However, I have been working closely with other Ministers, arms of government and agencies who are responsible for these agencies and a solution is in sight.
“We are all working under the coordination of the National Security Adviser who called a meeting a few days ago on this issue and we shall soon unveil practical steps being taken to stem this ugly tide.”
The minister thanked Nigerians for their eternal vigilance on burning issues.
Keyamo affirmed he had received several complaints about the menace of begging and extortion at the nation’s International airports by a few unscrupulous persons that gave the country bad image.
“My phones are beeping every minute with messages about this from well-meaning Nigerians. We shall soon unveil practical steps being taken to stem this ugly tide.
“We thank Nigerians for their eternal vigilance on this issue,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
FGA/CHOM/MNA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Maureen Atuonwu

June 23, 2024
It’s disappointing for us even after finishing fourth, 3SC’s Ogunbote laments
Disappointment
Ibadan, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gbenga Ogunbote, the Chief Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), on Sunday said it was disappointing for him and his players to have ended the 2023/2024 season empty-handed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 3SC finished fourth in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season which ended on Sunday.
Ogunbote told NAN in Ibadan his team were not happy to have been unable to clinch a ticket to play on the continent next season in spite of the efforts they put in.
”It was disappointing for us in spite of everything. Even though we are supposed to be celebrating today, having won today’s match and having finished fourth in the competition.
”But we set for ourselves a target of getting a ticket to play on the continent next season, and having failed to do that, we are clearly unhappy with that,” he said.
Ogunbote, whose team had earlier lost in the quarter-finals of the 2024 President Federation Cup, said it could be heartbreaking not to achieve set-targets.
”We did all we could, and tried as much as possible, even through the Federation Cup, but our best was simply just not enough,” he said.
NAN reports that third place in the NPFL could have earned the Oluyole Warriors a ticket to play in the 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup competition.
It was the same thing a Federation Cup title win would have achieved.
The coach attributed their failure to their first round performance, which saw them dropping to the lower half of the league table by the end of the first round.
”We lost it in the first round really, dropping to 11th or 12th then. If we had not lost so many valuable points then, we could have finished among the top three.
”We picked up in the second round, and rallied to be in contention in the last few weeks, but it was not to be,” he said.
NAN reports that 3SC finished fourth in the league with 62 points from 38 matches, after 18 wins, eight draws and 12 losses.
They finished behind Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Remo Stars FC of Ikenne and Enyimba International FC of Aba in first, second and third positions respectively.
To finish fourth on Sunday, 3SC beat visiting Sporting Lagos 1-0 at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in their match day 38 fixture.
Christian Pyagbara scored the lone goal in the 38th minute, stooping in the goal area to head in a low cross from the right flank, thus taking his total league goals’ haul to 10.
The result also meant Sporting Lagos dropped to the Nigeria National League (NNL) to join Doma United FC of Gombe, Heartland FC of Owerri and Gombe United as the teams relegated.
Rangers International who beat Gombe United 2-1 in Jos won the competition with 70 points from 38 matches, five clear points ahead of runners-up Remo Stars who had 65 points.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

June 23, 2024