Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naturenex roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Monday, 16th September, 2024
1. President Tinubu Reacts As Over 40 Farmers Die In Zamfara Boat Accident
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of over forty farmers who lost their lives in a boat accident in Zamfara State on their way to their farms at the weekend.
The President also commiserated with the people and government of Zamfara State over recent floods in Gummi Local Government Area.
President Tinubu, in a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, promised to support those affected by the unfortunate twin tragedies in the Zamfara community.
He directed emergency agencies to comprehensively assess the two incidents to address the root of the calamity.
President Tinubu also directed response agencies to work with the Zamfara State Government to help those affected by the disaster.
2. First Set Of NNPC Trucks Lift PMS At Dangote Refinery
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) has successfully initiated the lifting of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from the Dangote Refinery.
Following the arrival of over 100 trucks from NNPCL at the Dangote refinery, located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, the first batch of petrol was loaded over the weekend.
A video posted on the Dangote Group’s verified X page on Sunday confirmed the commencement of this operation.
This development comes after Zacch Adedeji, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and a member of the Presidential Committee on the Sale of Crude Oil and Refined Products, announced on Friday in Abuja that the NNPCL remains the sole buyer of petrol from the Dangote refinery.
Adedeji added that while the NNPCL will handle petrol distribution, other products like diesel can be lifted by willing off-takers. He also revealed that starting October 1, the NNPCL will purchase crude oil from the Dangote refinery in Naira.
3. Peter Obi Speaks On Presidency Comparing Him With Donald Trump
The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the Presidency for what he claims is a futile effort to tarnish his reputation by drawing comparisons to the American presidential election.
In a statement released through his Media Office on Sunday, titled “Why Desperate OBI Traducers Are Kissing the Dust?” and signed by his Spokesman, Ibrahim Umar, Obi accused the Presidency and its allies of attempting to distort facts in a bid to damage his impeccable image.
Obi’s statement criticized the purported attempts by “desperate propagandists” and their “presidential enablers” to use the American election scenario as a weapon against him.
He described these efforts as not only misguided but also futile in their attempt to undermine his credibility.
4. 274 Inmates Missing From Maiduguri Prison – NCoS
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reported that 274 inmates are missing following a severe flooding incident that caused the walls of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Maiduguri, Borno State, to collapse.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Umar Abubakar, the NCoS spokesman, revealed the distressing news amid ongoing devastation from the flooding.
The catastrophic floods, triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam after intense rainfall, have submerged large areas of Maiduguri, displacing over a million residents and claiming at least 30 lives.
This flood is described as the worst in the region in 30 years, bringing significant damage to both infrastructure and homes.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has been at the forefront of rescue operations, successfully saving over 400 individuals trapped by the rising waters.
The extent of the damage has led to widespread disruption, with many residents now relying on canoes for evacuation as they navigate the submerged streets.
The floods have not only overwhelmed the city but also raised urgent concerns about the safety and well-being of those affected.
As the search for the missing inmates continues, the NCoS and other relevant authorities are working diligently to address the crisis and provide necessary support to the affected population.
5. Eid-el-Maulud: IG Orders Security Beef Up
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured Nigerians of a peaceful and secure environment for the upcoming Eid-el-Maulud celebrations, emphasizing the deployment of extensive security measures nationwide.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP confirmed that Command Commissioners of Police and their Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General of Police have been instructed to enhance security protocols.
These measures include increased patrols on major highways, heightened security at places of worship, and vigilant monitoring of public gathering points.
Reiterating the commitment to public safety, the IGP’s statement further affirmed, “We are dedicated to safeguarding the public and preventing crime, both during and after the festive period.”
IGP Egbetokun extended warm wishes to the Muslim faithful, hoping for a joyful and peaceful celebration. He stressed the importance of collaboration with other security agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure a seamless and secure Eid-el-Maulud.
6. FG Speaks On Reduction In Price Of Petrol As Dangote Refinery Begins Sale
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, said on Sunday that there is an expectation that as the Dangote Refinery increases production and achieves economies of scale, the cost of petrol in the country will reduce.
The Minister stated this during an interview with Channels Television.
Edun made the submission while responding to a question on how the coming onstream of the Dangote Refinery in petrol production and sale would address the issue of the product’s cost in Nigeria.
As earlier reported by Naija News, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC) officially started lifting refined petrol from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Sunday, September 15.
Responding to the question on how the development is expected to impact the price of petrol, Edun said the government is giving an opportunity for petrol prices to fall in Nigeria as Dangote and others ramp up production.
Edun congratulated the owner of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, the NNPC, led by the group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mele Kyari, the Ministry of Finance, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for their respective contributions, thus far.
He expressed optimism that consumers would enjoy lower prices as local production and distribution of petrol expand, stressing that the federal government must give Dangote Refinery and other relevant oil stakeholders a chance to reduce petrol prices.
7. ‘My Bag Still Missing’ – Sowore Narrates What Transpired At Airport
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has disclosed that one of his bags is missing following his detention at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist, Naija News reported that he was detained by men of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) on his arrival to Nigeria on Sunday.
Narrating his experience with the NIS, Sowore stated that he has been on the watchlist of the Nigerian government since 1992 when he was in the university.
8. Onyeama Hails President Tinubu, Keyamo For Signing Cape Town Convention Practice Directions
The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, as Nigeria signed Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions for the aviation sector.
Allen Onyema said the signing of the CTC Practice Directions is a revolution in the aviation sector.
He stated that the appointment of Keyamo as Aviation Minister was one of the best decisions the President made in his administration.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV on Sunday, on the benefits of Nigeria signing the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions, Onyeama explained that the country’s aviation sector would benefit more from the signed agreement.
The CEO of Air Peace noted that Nigerian aviation sector players can easily acquire a large number of airplanes at cheaper rates with the signed agreement.
He explained that it would give room for more interconnectedness in Nigeria. Onyeama added that the cost of airfares would also come down with the signed agreement.
According to him, Nigeria’s aviation sector businesses now have the opportunity to conquer West Africa and Central Africa aviation markets.
9. NNPCL Reveals How Much It Purchased Petrol From Dangote Refinery
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed that it purchased petrol at N898 per litre from the Dangote Refinery, contradicting earlier claims of a lower price.
In a statement issued to Daily Trust on Sunday, the Chief Spokesperson of the NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, was significantly higher than previously reported figures.
We successfully loaded PMS at the Dangote Refinery today. The claim that we purchased it at ₦760 per litre is incorrect. For this initial loading, the price from the refinery was ₦898 per litre,” Soneye stated.
The NNPCL had mobilized approximately 300 trucks to the Dangote Refinery’s 650,000 barrels per day capacity in Lagos. Loading operations commenced on Sunday, with over 70 trucks having been loaded by the time of the report.
10. ‘Why Obasanjo Met Babangida, Aliyu Gusau In Minna’
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo arrived in Minna, Niger State, on Sunday evening to meet with Ibrahim Babangida, the former head of state.
This visit followed Obasanjo’s earlier engagement in Edo State, where he celebrated the 90th birthday of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom.
The Minna meeting saw the attendance of notable figures, including former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) and former National Security Adviser (NSA) General Aliyu Gusau (rtd).
Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, confirmed the visit to TheCable.
It was not immediately clear what issues were discussed by the former Nigerian leaders, but multiple reports said the meeting was connected with pressing national issues that border on the current economic challenges.
Akinyemi clarified that Obasanjo’s visit to Minna also served as an opportunity to celebrate Babangida’s recent 83rd birthday, which Obasanjo could not attend due to prior commitments.
“The opportunity came yesterday, hence the visits to both Benin and Minna,” he said.
Obasanjo expressed appreciation for Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria and extended his well-wishes for Babangida’s continued good health.
