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  • Dangote thanks Tinubu, Nigerians over refinery’s takeoff

    Dangote thanks Tinubu, Nigerians over refinery’s takeoff

    • Marketers await company’s product price list

    • Diesel, aviation fuel available by month’s end

    President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has expressed  appreciation to President Bola Tinubu  for his vision and support which  he said encouraged him to embark on the Dangote Refinery project some years back.

    The refinery formally took off  on Friday with the production of diesel and aviation fuel.

    Speaking with stakeholders in the oil and gas industry on the historic start of domestic refining of petroleum products that will eliminate dependence on importation of refined products in the country, Dangote recalled the support, encouragement, and thoughtful advice he got from President Tinubu towards the actualisation of the refinery project.

     “This production, as witnessed today, would not have been possible without his (Tinubu’s) visionary leadership and prompt attention to detail,” Dangote said.

    He added: “His intervention at various stages cleared all impediments, thereby accelerating the actualisation of the project.”

    Read Also; Confusion as sacked Plateau legislators vow to retake seats

    The Group Head, Corporate Communications, Dangote Group ,Mr Anthony Chiejina quoted Dangote as saying the diesel and aviation fuel from the refinery would be available at the stands  within the next two weeks.

    Dangote said: “We have started the production of diesel and aviation fuel, and the products will be in the market before the end of the month.

    “This is a big day for Nigeria. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone.

    “This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects.

    “This is a game changer for our country, and I am very fulfilled with the actualisation of this project.

    “The refinery has so far received six million barrels of crude oil at its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore.

    “The first crude delivery was done on Dec. 12, 2023, and the 6th cargo was delivered on Jan. 8, 2024,” he added.

    He said that the refinery can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries.

    He added that the products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.

    Dangote boss said that the refinery design complies with the World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms. State-of-the-art technology.

    He also acknowledged the support of the  Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd., the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigerians for their support and belief in the historic project.

    “These organisations have been our dependable partners in this historic journey,” he said.

    The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, told  The Nation by  phone yesterday that members of the association could not wait to have the price list of all the products.

    “We want to know Dangote petroleum products prices. We will request the list so that we can give it to our members,” Maigandi said.

    He also said the association was pressing for allocation of the products to independent marketers from the refinery.

  • The significance of Tinubu’s first week of 2024

    The significance of Tinubu’s first week of 2024

    By Tunde Rahman

    There couldn’t have been a better predictor of what to expect from President Bola Tinubu in 2024 than the way and manner he began the New Year. For the President, 2024 started on a business like, work-filled note. While many were still savouring the New Year, the Nigerian leader cut short his Christmas/New Year holiday in Lagos on January 1, returned to Abuja to sign the N28.7 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly. It was his first assignment in the New Year. The way he did it demonstrated the seriousness and patriotic commitment he brings unto the exalted job.

    For him, nothing must stand on the way of the onerous responsibility bestowed on him. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas were shocked to learn the President had returned to Abuja and ready to sign the budget.

    Since that first day of the year, it has been one impactful governance step and important decision after another. Indeed, it was one week of 2024 to remember. It reminds me of a song by Canadian rock band, Barenaked Ladies with the same title “One Week”. The song was released as the first single from their 1998 album, Stun. The song is unique for its significant number of pop culture references, and remains the band’s best-known song. According to Wikipedia, the song reached No.1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

    In one week of 2024 to remember, President Tinubu made pivotal and landmark decisions which have been widely applauded.

    Read Also; Confusion as sacked Plateau legislators vow to retake seats

    Critic-turned-admirer of President Tinubu, Reno Omokri, catalogued some of these important decisions and developments in a recent tweet.

    The decisions include the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Beta Edu, and Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, Hajiya Halimotu Shehu, for alleged financial transgressions and the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to determine their guilt; the summon by the President of another minister alleged to be involved in a controversial contract; the drastic reduction in the entourage of the President’s domestic and international travels; the banning of the money-for-degree universities in Benin Republic, Togo and other countries; and the clearing of the N12billion outstanding allowances and other arrears for the Super Eagles, taking part in the African Cup of Nations tournament beginning this weekend. Arrears owed other national teams were also paid by the President.

    In that preceding week, the Bola Tinubu administration embarked on the payment of wage support benefits to civil servants, the disbursement of N105.5 billion for emergency repair of 266 roads across the country, the launch of the automated passport portal and the unfolding of plans to build a new Chinese-funded steel plant in Nigeria following on the heel of a visit to China by the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaib Abubakar Audu.

    The swift suspension of Betta Edu, one of the visible ministers at present, pending the full investigation of the alleged scandal in her ministry not only demonstrates there are no scared cows in the anti-graft crusade, it will also serve as deterrent against others who may otherwise believe the present government is business-as-usual.

    However, as some have argued, the minister should not be pilloried until after the full investigation of the allegations and her culpability or otherwise established.

    Perhaps, the most exciting of the President’s decisions during that important week, in my view, is the resolve to cut the cost of governance by drastically reducing the number of people in his entourage on local and international trips. President Tinubu directed that top government functionaries, dignitaries and aides on his travels be slashed by 60 per cent, more than half.

    On local trips, the President, for instance ordered that, in the area of security, his team should rely more on the capacity of the security establishment and existing protocols in the host states.

    It must be pointed out here that when the President visits a state for instance like his recent visit to Lagos during the Christmas/New Year holiday, during which he decided to observe the Jumat at the Central Mosque in Lagos Island, the long stretch of vehicles noticed in his convoy are not entirely his own. Some dignitaries in Lagos, top security officers, top traditional rulers, political associates and many others simply joined the entourage to the mosque at no prompting of the President.

    The importance of cutting the number in the President’s travels apart from the concomitant reduction in total cost of the trip is unmistakable. First, it is in tandem with the demands of the present challenging times when prices of goods and services have skyrocketed owing to what many tie to the prevalent foreign exchange rate.

    Second, by slashing the presidential entourage, President Tinubu has again demonstrated leadership by example. He has shown he fully understands what the people are experiencing at present and shares in their pains, which he says will be temporary, following his New Year Day speech.

    Indeed, the cost of governance and administration in Nigeria is high and it has become imperative to bring it down. Every possible avenue must be employed to do this. It is estimated that the country mostly spends over 75% of her federal budget on recurrent expenditure, leaving less than 25% for capital expenditure. The present administration is set to change this governance narrative. For instance, in the N28.7trillion 2024 budget, recurrent expenditure was pegged at N8.7tr and capital expenditure at N9.9tr. This trend is expected to continue going forward.

    – Rahman is a Senior Presidential Aide

  • Tinubu is a beacon of rule of law – Bala Mohammed

    Tinubu is a beacon of rule of law – Bala Mohammed

    Bauchi state governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has described President Bola Tinubu as a true federalist and advocate of the rule of law.

    The governor highlighted that, under the Tinubu’s led administration, the judiciary has flourished independently, free from external influence.

    This is coming on the heels of the Supreme Court judgment which upheld  his election as the governor of Bauchi state.

    Read Also; Unfinished reconciliation in Osun APC

    The Nation reports in a judgment delivered on Friday, January 12, Justice Ibrahim Saulawa who read the lead judgment, dismissed the appeal filed by Sadique Abubakar of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for lacking in merit.

    Addressing mammoth crowd who trooped to the Government House’s house on Saturday to celebrate with him, the governor said: “I’m grateful to the Nigeria judiciary. I’m going to President Tinubu for allowing the rule of law to persist, irrespective of the lies. No amount of mischief will bring us down”

    “President Tinubu is a beacon of the rule of law worthy of emulation by all.”

    According to him, the outcome of the court case right from the tribunal up to the Supreme Court has made him to have more confidence in the judiciary.

  • Tinubu’s approval of N12bn for national teams excites sports minister

    Tinubu’s approval of N12bn for national teams excites sports minister

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the approval of N12 billion disbursement to address the outstanding backlog owed to Nigeria’s national teams.

    Enoh disclosed this on Friday while speaking in Abuja.

    He said the gesture would go a long way in boosting the morale of the Super Eagles players, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kick-off on Saturday in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the payment encompasses the settlement of senior national team coaches salaries spanning 15 months as well as bonuses owed to both senior and junior national teams (male and female).

    “This significant financial injection is particularly timely as it arrived just when the preparations of the Super Eagles for the AFCON struck top gear, ” he said.

    The minister thanked President Tinubu for approving the funds, noting that “it reflects his love for sports”.

    He added that the approval not only serves as a morale booster for the teams involved but also underscores the government’s dedication to fostering excellence in Nigerian sports on the continental stage.

    Read Also: How Tinubu ended ‘overnight oil billionaires regime’ – Oshiomole

    “This explains why he made Sports Development a stand alone Ministry, so as to pay closer attention to its pertinent issues.

    “On behalf of the Ministry and the NFF, I thank President Bola Tinubu,”  Enoh added.

    He assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles would do everything within its capacity to make the nation proud at the continental showpiece.

    NAN reports that Nigeria takes on Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, in its first game at the AFCON before tackling Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau in their other group games.

    (NAN)

  • It’s better to have a circle of rich than be only rich person in a circle – Davido

    It’s better to have a circle of rich than be only rich person in a circle – Davido

    Grammy-nominated musician David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said that having money all by oneself is boring without significant others.

    He took to his X account as he indirectly hinted that having a circle of the rich is better than being the only rich person in a circle.

    He wrote: “It’s boring having money by yourself…”

    Davido’s statement was greeted by over 7, 000 comments. These are some of the comments:

    @dammiedammie35 suggested: “Let’s have it together boss”

    Read Also: Davido to headline UnitedMasters Grammy Weekend concert February 2nd

    @GucciStarboi wrote: “Tap that money on my head & and you’ll know it’s not boring”

    @mafia30 said: “That’s why if anyone has money they have to put their friends on as well”

    @Djemzykado asked: “U don make money from scratch? Because na your papa leave wealth for u”

    @ManLikeIcey wrote: “Na why u dey ball your guys steady.”

  • Tinubu commits to completing Abuja-Kano road in 24 months

    Tinubu commits to completing Abuja-Kano road in 24 months

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that the 375 kilometre-Abuja-Kano road be completed in 24 months.

    The President also stated that funding of the project that was initially awarded in December 2018 for completion in 2020 would not be a challenge.

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun and the Minister of Works, David Umahi made the commitment on Friday after an inspection tour of the Abuja-Kaduna section of the road.

    The 290-kilometer section of the uncompleted project would be divided into four sections (as initially designed) for 50-kilometer completion monthly.

    The ministers, who were directed by President Tinubu to embark on the inspection tour, went into a meeting with the management team of the contractor, Julius Berger Plc, led by the Managing Director, Lars Richter, after the inspection that took them from zero point at Zuba, Abuja to Kilometre 30 Berger Yard, in Kaduna.

    At the end of the meeting, Edun emphasised that the timely completion of the road remains a top priority for President Tinubu, who views road infrastructure as a key element in revitalising and stabilising the nation’s economy.

    Edun said due to the economic importance of the road, financing the completion of the project has been prioritised and would be provided as soon as possible.

    “I think what we can see here is that we have come, we have seen and the commitment of the administration to financing the funding, and completing this all-important road project is not in doubt, and that will be done as soon as possible.”

    Umahi, who said the road inspection reflects the significance placed on the project, noted that it enabled a firsthand assessment of the challenges affecting its progress.

    According to him, 45 kilometers of the 165-kilometre Abuja-Kaduna section of the road has been completed but there is a need to ascertain other facts regarding the project.

    Umahi said the government has been able to secure the commitment of the contractor to complete the project in 24 months and as specified in the modified design.

    Read Also: Makinde never faulted Tinubu, Oyo APC merely seeking attention – CPS

    He also assured the contractor that, as emphasised by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, financing the project would not be an issue, considering the financing model presented by the Minister.

    Noting that the difference in the initial cost of the project against the prevailing economic realities of the country has also been resolved, Umahi said, “Initially when this project started, Berger had four sections working until they ran into financial issues, (of) which we have been reassured by the government. So, we agreed that they will go back to four sections.

    “We have also agreed on some certain technical modifications to make the road more stable and stronger and within the approved carriageway specifications like we have in our roads all over the country.

    “They will start with the carriageway first before they will go to the shoulders, so that Nigerians will heave a sigh of relief because of delays.

    “We have also agreed on the remaining part of the road, about 290 kilometres of single lane, that’s 145 dual carriageway from here to Kano.

    “If we look at the total four sections that will be deployed, and I believe they will, we are looking at 50 kilometres of completion per month.

    For emphasis, Umahi said approval has been given for the payment of the outstanding N17b of the contractor’s certified and verified certificates while another N23b certificate already verified is also being processed.

    Richter, who expressed confidence that the Minister’s inspection would provide the government with valuable insights into the project’s progress, stressed that the company is willing and ready to see to the timely completion of the project.

  • Tinubu appoints nine-member Governing Council for Midstream/Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund

    Tinubu appoints nine-member Governing Council for Midstream/Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a 9-member Governing Council for the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF), with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources in charge of Gas as Chairman.

     The new approval was disclosed in a statement issued yesterday evening by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in Abuja.

     According to the statement, President Tinubu has already charged the appointees to discharge their duties by upholding the highest standards of transparency, discipline, and patriotism.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints 9-member governing council midstream/downstream gas infrastructure fund

    “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a Governing Council of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to be domiciled in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA):

     “MDGIF Governing Council Chairman — Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas); MDGIF Executive Director — Mr. Oluwole Adama; MDGIF Governing Council Secretary — Mr. Joseph Tolorunshe; NMDPRA Chief Executive — Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

     “Representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance; MDGIF Independent Member — Ms. Amina Maina (North-East); MDGIF Independent Member — Mr. Edet David Ubong (South-South); and MDGIF Independent Member — Mr. Tajudeen Bolaji Musa (South-West).

    “The President mandates the appointees to discharge their duties by upholding the highest standards of transparency, discipline, and patriotism in line with his administration’s drive to enhance the role of the gas sector in achieving robust and inclusive economic growth for Nigeria,” the statement said.

  • Tinubu appoints Asika, Nuhu, nine others to head Arts, Entertainment agencies

    Tinubu appoints Asika, Nuhu, nine others to head Arts, Entertainment agencies

    President Bola Tinubu has approved appointments to fill eleven offices of chief executive officers of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy.

     According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, yesterday, among those appointed into offices are entertainment guru, Obi Asika, who will head the National Council for Arts and Culture, as Director-General, and veteran Kannywood actor and Director, Ali Nuhu, who will head the Nigerian Film Corporation as Managing-Director.

     “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eleven (11) new Chief Executive Officers for agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy:

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints 9-member governing council midstream/downstream gas infrastructure fund

     “Tola Akerele — Director-General, National Theatre; Dr. Shaibu Husseini — Director-General, National Films and Censors Board; Mr. Obi Asika — Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture; Aisha Adamu Augie — Director-General, Centre for Black and African Arts and Culture; and Ekpolador-Ebi Koinyan — Chief Conservator, National War Museum.

    “Ahmed Sodangi — Director-General, National Gallery of Art; Chaliya Shagaya — Director-General, National Institute of Archeology and Museums Studies; Hajiya Khaltume Bulama Gana — Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria; Otunba Biodun Ajiboye — Director-General, National Institute for Cultural Orientation; Ali Nuhu — Managing-Director, Nigerian Film Corporation; Ramatu Abonbo Mohammed — Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments.”

    “The President mandates the appointees to discharge their duties in accordance with the highest standards of professionalism, diligence, and patriotism with a view to making the creative sector more vibrant and robust”, the statement said.

  • Activist lauds Tinubu over fight against corruption, high cost of governance

    Activist lauds Tinubu over fight against corruption, high cost of governance

    An activist, Adesumbo Onitiri has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent determination to fight corruption headlong and reduce the high cost of governance.

    In a statement released in Lagos, Onitiri said: “It’s too early to assess the Tinubu administration, but the way and manner the government is fighting corruption is highly commendable and gave Nigerians a ray of hope. “

    Onitiri also noted the government’s reduction of entourage on foreign and local trips, advising the state governors and local government chairmen to follow suit.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Zulum’s spokesman, Isa Gusau

     He also urged the National Assembly and all other federal government parastatals and agencies to emulate Tinubu’s example to cut their expenses.

     “We the Democrats wish to commend the recent steps taken by our people’s President, Bola Tinubu in the fight against corruption and reduction of his entourage on foreign and local tours.

     “This is a laudable step worthy of commendation. Also, it goes to show that we now have a listening President who is very responsive to the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

     “This is now a government of the people by the people and for all the people,” he emphasised.

    Onitiri however implored Tinubu to take the fight against corruption to a logical conclusion and all ill-gotten Billion of Naira and Dollars should be retrieved without minding whose ox is gored.

    “We need more transparency and credibility in governance. There is also urgent need to cut the humongous emoluments and allowances paid to the National Assembly members without delay.

  • Tinubu appoints 9-member governing council midstream/downstream gas infrastructure fund

    Tinubu appoints 9-member governing council midstream/downstream gas infrastructure fund

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a 9-member Governing Council for the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF).

    The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources in charge of Gas would be the chairman.

    The new approval was disclosed in a statement issued Friday evening by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, in Abuja.

    According to the statement, President Tinubu has already charged the appointees discharge their duties by upholding the highest standards of transparency, discipline, and patriotism.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: 11 head of Arts, Entertainment agencies appointed by Tinubu

    “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a Governing Council of the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) to be domiciled in the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA):

    “MDGIF Governing Council Chairman — Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas); MDGIF Executive Director — Mr. Oluwole Adama; MDGIF Governing Council Secretary — Mr. Joseph Tolorunshe; NMDPRA Chief Executive — Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

    “Representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance; MDGIF Independent Member — Ms. Amina Maina (North-East); MDGIF Independent Member — Mr. Edet David Ubong (South-South); and MDGIF Independent Member — Mr. Tajudeen Bolaji Musa (South-West).

    “The President mandates the appointees to discharge their duties by upholding the highest standards of transparency, discipline, and patriotism in line with his administration’s drive to enhance the role of the gas sector in achieving robust and inclusive economic growth for Nigeria”, the statement said.