News
Fuel Shortage: Long Queues Linger in Lagos as Marketers Close Stations
Lagos Faces Long Queues as Independent Marketers Shut Stations
Long queues stretched across Lagos and its surrounding areas yesterday as many independent oil marketers closed their stations due to a lack of petrol, leaving motorists and other customers stranded.
While NNPC Ltd and major oil marketers maintained relatively low prices of N580 per litre, independent marketers charged between N850 and N970 per litre, depending on location. This disparity has led to a significant increase in transport fares, with journeys from Ikorodu to Lekki now costing around N5,000, up from the previous N3,000.
Further investigation revealed that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) was absent from the stations, leading to consumer extortion. The NMDPRA is responsible for regulating and monitoring midstream and downstream operations, setting tariffs, and ensuring compliance with licensing terms.
In response to the crisis, NNPC’s Vice President (Downstream), Dapo Segun, blamed the shortage on recent rains, lightning, and thunderstorms, which have disrupted fuel transport and exacerbated the problem due to poor road conditions. He apologized for the inconvenience, stating that these challenges are largely beyond their control.
Meanwhile, Engr. Festus Osifo, President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), attributed the country’s economic difficulties to government policies, particularly the devaluation of the naira. Speaking at the PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit in Abuja, Osifo highlighted that Nigeria’s failure to meet its energy needs and guarantee availability puts it at risk of becoming a failed state.
Osifo criticized recent government policies, including the floating of the naira, which has led to a dramatic increase in the cost of petroleum products and other imported goods. He emphasized the need for effective policy changes to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and drive economic growth.
Federal Government Refutes Age Restrictions for NECO and WAEC Exams
The Federal Government has dismissed rumors suggesting that age restrictions apply to the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, clarified this in Abuja on Friday, affirming that there are no age limits for taking these exams. He explained that the age restriction applies only to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and university entry, which will start at 18 years beginning in 2025.
Sununu pointed out that the National Policy on Education specifies that children should start primary school at age six, spend six years there, and then proceed to three years each in junior and senior secondary schools, totaling 18 years.
His remarks came during a briefing for the 2024 World Literacy Day, themed “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
Sununu addressed the confusion, stating, “We have clarified this issue in various forums, but the misinformation persists. Neither the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, nor I have announced any age limit for WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB exams.”
He added, “Some individuals have misinterpreted our comments regarding UTME age restrictions and mistakenly applied them to WAEC and NECO. Our previous statements only pertained to university entry age, as outlined in the National Policy on Education.”
Sununu also highlighted that the policy supports teaching children in their local language or mother tongue until primary three, after which English is introduced. This approach, he noted, facilitates better communication and learning.
President Tinubu Pledges Bold Decisions for Nigeria’s Progress
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to making the tough decisions needed for Nigeria’s progress. He acknowledged the challenge of achieving national consensus on various issues but underscored that such decisions are crucial for the country’s advancement.
Wrapping up his official visit to China, President Tinubu met with the Nigerian community and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO China) at the China World Hotel. He described the trip as highly successful and beneficial.
During his visit, President Tinubu engaged in discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participated in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The focus was on boosting collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.
Addressing Nigerians in China, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of representing Nigeria positively and being exemplary citizens. He highlighted the need for discipline and dedication, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society.
The President encouraged Nigerians abroad to embrace their diversity, follow local laws, and project a positive image of their country. He stated:
“Nigeria is undergoing significant reforms, and we are making bold and unprecedented decisions. You might have heard recent news about fuel prices at home. But can we avoid these tough choices if we want to improve our infrastructure, like roads, electricity, and water supply? We aim to hand over a better future to our children, and that requires us to make hard decisions now.”
President Tinubu Wraps Up China Visit and Heads to London via Dubai
On Friday, September 6th, President Bola Tinubu concluded his official visit to China and is now en route to London, United Kingdom, with a stopover in Dubai.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the President will travel to the UK via Dubai.
During his visit, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in China that his administration is committed to good governance and aims to replicate China’s successes for the benefit of Nigeria. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing.
The meeting marked President Tinubu’s final official engagement in China before his departure for London.
President Tinubu described his visit to China as “very good and successful.”
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