TRENDING NOW

Recent Post Recent Post
View More

at

A total of 196 soldiers stationed in various regions of Nigeria, including the conflict-ridden North-East, have reportedly submitted requests for voluntary retirement to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, SaharaReporters has reported.

Their decision comes as Nigeria’s military continues to grapple with heightened security threats across the country.

According to military insiders, a significant number of these soldiers are reportedly exploring opportunities to join the armed forces of foreign nations, including the British Army, Ukrainian forces, and other Commonwealth military units.

The soldiers involved in this mass resignation hail from multiple army formations and belong to junior ranks.

While their reasons for leaving differ, some sources indicate the soldiers have voiced dissatisfaction with the alleged corruption within the Nigerian Army.

These allegations have intensified as soldiers claim that the prolonged deployment in conflict zones, such as the North-East, without proper rotation, is exacerbating the problem.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja has approved the soldiers’ requests for retirement, as per a list signed by Brigadier OH Musa on August 23.

While the list of resignations includes soldiers leaving on both voluntary and medical grounds, none of them have reached the retirement age or completed the mandatory years of service.

Sources reveal that the soldiers’ frustration stems from inadequate welfare, a lack of modern equipment, and declining morale.

They accuse military leadership of neglecting their needs, further complicating the fight against Boko Haram insurgents and other threats in the region.

One source noted, “Many soldiers are considering joining foreign military forces because they feel abandoned and see no future in the current system. There is a growing discontent due to the poor working conditions and overstretched assignments.”

This development highlights the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s military, as it continues to battle insurgency while dealing with internal morale issues.


(SAHARAREPORTERS)

Continue reading

at

In a surprising turn of events, the Dangote Refinery may soon abandon the Nigerian market for foreign buyers, as tensions rise between the refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), The PUNCH reported Sunday.

The standoff stems from the NNPC’s refusal to commit as a sole buyer unless Dangote’s petrol prices undercut global rates, despite earlier claims by Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote, that the refinery was poised to flood the local market with fuel.

NNPC’s stance, outlined in a statement by its spokesman Olufemi Soneye, has fueled fears that Nigerians will miss out on cheaper fuel, with many now watching as the refinery eyes foreign markets to stay profitable.

The oil giant’s refusal to act as a distributor or price-setter for Dangote products has cast a cloud over earlier hopes that local refining would bring relief to the country’s ongoing fuel crisis.

“The pricing of petroleum products is determined by global market forces. If prices in Nigeria remain low, there’s no reason Dangote Refinery shouldn’t sell abroad where demand and prices are higher,” said Soneye, effectively confirming that Dangote’s long-anticipated petrol might be shipped overseas.

But speaking on the Brekete Family live show on Monday, the Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, said Dangote petrol would be exported if the NNPC and other petroleum dealers in the country refused to patronise it.

Asked if the petrol would be sold locally, Edwin replied, “There has been a kind of a blockade from lifting our products within the country. The traders have been trying to blockade, and so now, we have been exporting our petroleum products. We are ready to pump in PMS as much as possible to the country.

“But if the traders or NNPC are not buying the product, obviously we will end up exporting the PMS as we are doing with the aviation jet and diesel,” he declared.

Edwin expressed surprise that the company started facing challenges it never expected when the refinery was set to commence operations.

He recalled that the philosophy initially was to add value to the raw materials available in the country, regretting that Nigeria was still exporting crude and importing refined petroleum products after over three decades.

Despite having a gantry that can load 2,900 tankers per day, Edwin disclosed that the refinery had not loaded up to five per cent of the gantry’s capacity owing to low local patronage.

As the NNPC reiterates its unwillingness to play a middleman role, black market fuel prices in states like Benue and Nasarawa have already skyrocketed to between N1,200 and N1,400 per liter.

The standoff has sparked disappointment across Nigeria, as many were counting on Dangote’s refinery to stabilize the volatile fuel market. Now, with negotiations at a standstill, the hopes of cheaper fuel are quickly fading.

Continue reading

at

A well-known Nigerian actor and film producer, Chris Bassey, has made an unexpected career shift since relocating to Canada.

In a recent Instagram live session with media personality Daddy Freeze, Bassey shared that he now works as a plumber, finding more satisfaction in his new profession.

He emphasized that his new career pays better than tech jobs and also gives him a more relaxed lifestyle.

Daddy Freeze asked: “I know you as a producer and actor, what career are you into this Yankee?”

Bassey replied: “I’m into construction here. I do construction; I am a plumber.”

Daddy Freeze who was surprised by the development, however questioned the actor’s transition despite his fame.

Bassey said in pidgin: “In the last seven months, the province I have visited just on weekends in Canada, even person wey dey do tech no fit afford am. For here, I don’t know about the UK or US.”


Continue reading

at

Barely 24 hours after the Edo State government announced postponement of schools resumption, Kano State has taken a similar decision.

The Kano Government announced the postponement in resumption of primary and secondary schools for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic session in a statement on Saturday.

This decision, confirmed in the statement released on Saturday by the Ministry of Education’s Director of Public Enlightenment, Balarabe Kiru, was made due to unspecified “urgent reasons.”

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Umar Doguwa, emphasized that the postponement was necessary to create a more conducive learning environment for students.

However, a new resumption date is yet to be determined and will be communicated in due course.

“We regret to inform pupils, students, and parents that the previously scheduled school reopening on September 8th and 9th, 2024, has been postponed,” Doguwa stated.

Kiru further appealed for patience from students, parents, and guardians, acknowledging any inconvenience the delay may cause.


 

Continue reading

at

With the ongoing evolution of Nigeria’s economic structure, the need to equip Nigerians with the tools and knowledge for maximizing leadership potential and financial growth has become a significant priority.

In view of this, the forthcoming 2024 National Leadership Conference will provide participants with a distinctive opportunity to unlock the secrets to building sustainable wealth, identify leadership potential, and achieve financial growth.

Notable leadership coaches and advocates of good governance will speak at the 2024 National Leadership Conference, a gathering that the organizers say will offer participants a transformational experience.

The conference, organized by the GOTNI Leadership Centre, is expected to feature a stellar lineup of speakers including Canadian-American motivational speaker and self-development author Brian Tracy, Chairman & CEO of Brian Tracy International; George C. Fraser, CEO of FraserNet, Inc.; Dr. Andy Ikekhinde, President of TGC Network Inc.; Michael V. Roberts, JD, Chairman & CEO of The Roberts Companies; Apostle Femi Lazarus, Lead Pastor of Sphere of Light Church; Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State; Jennifer Adighije, CEO of Niger Delta Power Holding Company; Major General Garba Ayodeji Wahab, Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre; Engr. Obi Uzu, Managing Director of Global Process and Pipeline Services Ltd (GPPSL); Prof. John Kennedy Opara, Chairman of CSS Group; Nkechi Ali-Balogun, Principal Consultant of NECCI Consulting; Dr. Daniel Moses, CEO of Property Wealth Corporation (PWC); Idoko Kingsley Ilonah, CEO of Lona Group; Florence Agogo, Founder of Florence Agogo; Ben Murray-Bruce, Founder of Silverbird Group; Dr. Frank Ugo Ogbuehi, CEO of Hugo Doors; Claudia Lumor, of Glitz Africa Magazine; Gisele Aklobessi, Principal CEO of Lumiere Group International; Mr. Chris Maiyaki, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission; and Linus Okorie MFR, Founder/CEO of GOTNI Leadership Centre.

In a release on Saturday, the Centre stated that about 1,000 leaders from across the globe will attend the conference, with an increasing number of virtual participants expected.

Under the theme “Leadership Capital for Wealth Creation,” the two-day 2024 Leadership Conference will be held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja from September 20 to 21, 2024.

The Centre has reduced the participation fee to N500,000 for physical attendees, while virtual participants will pay N200,000.

Africa is widely believed to have suffered from ineffective leadership, a trend that has persisted for decades, hampering the general development of the resource-rich continent.

Adding to this challenge is the crippling debt profile the continent has faced, exacerbated by foreign loans sometimes disguised as aid from Western and Asian countries. These issues are often attributed to leadership failures and an inability to prudently manage the vast mineral resources available in many African nations.

The GOTNI Leadership Centre has been at the forefront of training leaders from both public and private sectors to effectively carry out the mandates of their organizations.

To register, send a message to 08157919770 or visit https://gotni.africa/nlc



Continue reading

at
The President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr. Ike Neliaku has urged the Fellows-in-training of the third cohort of Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) to imbibe integrity, hardwork and attitude which he said are the three essential elements of building their reputation. 

Dr. Neliaku who stated this while delivering a goodwill message in Abuja on Saturday during the graduation ceremony of the young Fellows also called on them to make honesty their watchword in all they do, which according to him is a tool that will take them far in their life journey. 

While charging them to build a reputation for which they will be valued and respected in the society, he urged them to demonstrate commitment for excellence and innovation. 

"There are three essential elements in building your reputation. First is integrity, but integrity is not enough, though it is a must-have content. The second is hard work and then the third is attitude. Your attitude must be right and when you put all of these together, one other key that you need is honesty", the NIPR boss stated. 

While acknowledging that life is difficult in the country at the moment, Dr. Neliaku challenged the youths to confront situations and make the best of opportunities at their disposal. 

"Life is for those who confront situations. Don't be a duck, be an eagle that is desirous to soar no matter the situation. That is what you owe yourselves and it is a choice you must make", he remarked. 

He also commended the founder of LMI, Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for the initiative of training young leaders for national service. 

NIPR President while stating that the Fellows-in-training have so much to give to the nation, said the NIPR will from the fourth cohort organise a compressed masterclass that will certify them as professional public relations practitioners.
Continue reading

at

A Nigerian living in Japan, Ray Momoh, has shed light on one of the reasons behind the escalating food prices in Nigeria.

In a recent social media post, Momoh highlighted that the high cost of food items in Nigeria is partly due to the practice of exporting Nigerian food products abroad for higher profits.

Momoh shared his experience of purchasing a tuber of yam in Tokyo for 3,500 Japanese yen, which is approximately 35,000 naira. He also noted that a small bag of garri cost 500 yen, translating to about 5,000 naira.

He emphasized that the total expenditure for both items amounted to 7,500 yen, roughly 75,000 naira.

“Now I know why food is becoming expensive in Nigeria.Most African food exporters are shipping them out to make more profits.


” Just got these tubers of yam for the following prices

1 tuber of yam at 3500 Japanese yen (35,000naira each)

Small bag of garri for 500 Japanese yen (5,000 naira a bag)

Total cost for yam and garri is 7500 Japanese yen( about 75,000 Nigerian Naira).”

Continue reading

at

A Nigerian athlete has secured a silver medal in the women’s Javelin F54 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Flora Ugwunwa achieved a throw of 19.26 meters, placing second behind Uzbekistan’s Nurkhon Kurbanova, who set a new world record with a 21.12-meter throw.

This win marks Nigeria’s first medal in the women’s Javelin category at the games, contributing to a total of four medals earned by the country so far.

At 40 years old, Ugwunwa continues her impressive Paralympic career with her third consecutive medal, following two golds in Rio and Tokyo, and now a silver in Paris.

The bronze medal was awarded to Iran’s Elham Salehi, who recorded a throw of 16.24 meters.

Other notable Nigerian medalists include Onyinyechi Mark, Eniola Bolaji, and Esther Nworgu.


Continue reading

at

Members of the royal family of Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen, the first Enogie of Ukhiri-Eresoyen in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, have called on His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin Kingdom, to intervene in an ongoing dispute over the Enogie stool.

The family alleges that one Richard Omonefe has unlawfully taken over their father’s throne and that their lives are now under threat.

The royal family claims that despite Omonefe being among the Enigies indefinitely suspended by Oba Ewuare II, he continues to claim the title of Enogie of Ukhiri-Eresoyen.

They argue that Omonefe has no legitimate genealogical connection to their father, Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen.

In a letter addressed to the Benin monarch, the family’s lawyer, Barrister Friday Ogierkhiakhi, appealed for the Obs of Benin’s intervention in the alleged usurpation.

The letter, titled “A Case of Usurpation of Enogie Stool in Ukhiri-Eresoyen Community”, outlines that Prince Obamwonyi Eresoyen was the first Enogie of the community. Upon his passing, his second son Aghan temporarily assumed the title until Okundaye, Obamwonyi’s eldest surviving son, returned to the community. However, the title was later allegedly usurped by Omonefe, who is reportedly not of the royal bloodline.

The lawyer emphasized that, according to Benin customs, only a descendant of Okundaye or his lineage has the right to the Enogie title.

He stated that Omonefe’s assumption of the position violated this custom, with Omonefe being aided by certain factions to perpetuate control over the throne.

The family further noted that Omonefe’s son, who initially succeeded him, has passed away, leaving Omonefe’s younger son, Ogunbor, to maintain the position unlawfully. This has, according to the family, continued to infringe on their legitimate rights.

The letter appealed to Oba Ewuare II to restore the Enogie title to a rightful descendant of Obamwonyi Eresoyen, specifically naming Osaze Nowan Okoro as the legitimate heir to the throne.

In response to the allegations, Richard Omonefe admitted that the succession issue had been previously addressed, but he pointed out that his suspension by the Oba, alongside other Enigies, had halted any resolution.

He denied any involvement in the current controversy, stating that he has not paraded himself as Enogie since his suspension.

Omonefe also refuted allegations of threats to the lives of Prince Obamwonyi’s descendants.

The royal family is now hoping for a swift and just resolution from the Oba of Benin.

Continue reading

at

In light of the recent surge in fuel prices, the Edo State Government has decided to indefinitely delay the reopening of both public and private schools across the state.

This was announced in a statement issued by Ojo Akin-Longe, the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Education, on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Benin.

Initially scheduled for September 9, 2024, the school resumption has now been pushed back indefinitely, as the state grapples with the effects of the fuel price hike.

“The Edo State Government wishes to inform the public that the resumption of all schools, originally set for Monday, September 9, 2024, has been postponed until further notice,” Akin-Longe stated. “The decision stems from the tension caused by the rising fuel costs, which has posed significant challenges for parents and guardians.”

The government also encouraged parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and closely supervise their children during this period of uncertainty.

This announcement highlights the ongoing difficulties many Nigerians are facing due to the sudden spike in fuel prices, which has created widespread concerns across the country.

Continue reading

at

Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, has announced his decision to step down from his role, citing urgent family health issues.

Ngelale, who hails from Rivers State, also served as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

In a statement released on Saturday, Ngelale explained that his decision to take an indefinite leave of absence was motivated by the need to address pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.

The statement read: “On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.

While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.

I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.

I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and I during this time.”

Continue reading

at

The organised labou has provided an update on the payment of the recently approved N70,000 minimum wage, revealing that only one state has so far begun implementation.

This was disclosed by the spokesperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in an interview with Daily Trust, noting that Adamawa is the only state currently paying the new wage.

He further explained that two other states, Edo and Lagos, had already commenced payment of N70,000 as a minimum wage even before the agreement with the Federal Government was reached.

“Only Adamawa State has started paying the new minimum wage. We commend the governor for his initiative. However, during the negotiation process, the Edo State governor also paid N70,000 with a promise to increase the amount if the wage was raised further. Similarly, Lagos State has been paying N70,000. Aside from these states, I am not aware of any others that have begun implementation, although committees have been set up to determine the consequential adjustments needed for payment to commence,” the spokesman said.

He also raised concerns over the reluctance of some states to begin payment despite the significant financial resources available to them.

“I must tell you, governments are very rich now. What they declare and share from the federation account has risen from N700 billion to N1.3 trillion. This doesn’t even include the funds they keep aside or manage unofficially. Despite this increase, there has been no corresponding improvement in the quality of life for Nigerians. Instead, what the people are experiencing is pain, poverty, and trauma,” he stated.

He stressed that the frustration felt across the nation is mirrored within the NLC, emphasizing that the economic hardship affects the majority of Nigerians, with only a few insulated from the financial strain.

Touching on the recent claims of betrayal by NLC President regarding President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the spokesman noted that the union feels deceived by the government’s decision to further raise fuel prices.

“The recent increase represents a breach of trust. The government promised stability but instead introduced additional shocks,” he explained, reflecting on how previous fuel price hikes had already impacted sectors such as education and transportation.

He also criticized the disparity between the new minimum wage and the rising fuel prices, pointing out that wage adjustments have not been in line with the escalating cost of living.

“There is no alignment between the N70,000 minimum wage and the hike in fuel prices,” he said.

Upah further expressed doubt about the government’s promises concerning the introduction of CNG buses and other subsidies, accusing the administration of failing to deliver on commitments made during earlier negotiations.

He compared the situation unfavorably with past administrations, which he said took more comprehensive measures to manage economic challenges.

He dismissed claims that the current economic hardship is necessary for future improvement, stating that such views do not reflect the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.

He also lamented the continuous decline in living standards under the current administration, asserting that its approach has only worsened the economic challenges faced by the country.

Continue reading

at

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shed light on its conversation with President Bola Tinubu during which he reportedly suggested that the price of petrol could rise to N2,000 per litre.

In an interview with Daily Trust, Benson Upah, the NLC spokesperson, disclosed that Tinubu made the statement during negotiations for a new minimum wage.

According to Upah, the president warned that if the organised labour insisted on a N250,000 minimum wage, the price of fuel could soar to N1,500 or N2,000 per litre.

He said the remark prompted one of the labour leaders to question the logic behind such a price hike since the fuel subsidy had already been removed.

He said : “When the president mentioned that fuel price will increase to N2,000, one of the labour leaders interjected him and said, ‘Sir, you have removed fuel subsidy, so which other thing are you removing again?’ Remember, the subsidy was removed and prices were stabilised. So, how many times are you removing subsidy, that you have removed? Subsidy was never restored at any point in time as they claimed. So, what will inform moving the pump price of PMS from N650 to N1,500 or N2,000?”

Upah further accused President Tinubu of reneging on his earlier commitment to labour leaders by allowing a fuel price increase.

He expressed concerns that Nigerians may face even higher costs for petrol in the near future.

“I want to tell you something,” Upah continued, “what this signals is that Nigerians have not seen the worst yet. We could end up paying nothing less than N5,000 per litre for petrol in this country. We hope it doesn’t come to that, but if it does, the decision will rest with Nigerians.”


 

Continue reading

at

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a $20,000 allocation for each qualified Bureau De Change (BDC) at a rate of N1,580 per dollar. This move aims to inject additional liquidity into the market.

Dr. Williams Kanaya, Acting Director of the CBN’s Trade and Exchange Department, announced the decision in a statement. He explained that the allocation is intended to address the demand for invisible transactions.

“Eligible BDC operators will receive $20,000 each at the rate of N1,580 per dollar. These operators are permitted to sell to eligible end-users with a maximum margin of one percent above the purchase rate,” Kanaya said.

Interested BDCs must make Naira payments to their designated CBN deposit accounts and submit payment confirmations along with required documentation to CBN branches in Abuja, Awka, Kano, and Lagos for the disbursement of funds.

Continue reading

at

One of the governors in the northern part of the country, Dikko Radda of Katsina says he is ready to support people to assist the security agents in protecting their respective communities against attacks by bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.

He made the disclosure at a Public Engagement, 2025 Citizens’ Budget Participation Process and the launching of a Community Development Programme in the Katsina zone, on Friday in Katsina.

“We have come up with an initiative that for any community ready to defend itself, we will give them necessary support and training to engage criminals before the arrival of the security agents.

“I went to a village, Tsamiyar-jino, where it took me two hours inside a Jeep before I reached the village from the main road.

“So, if bandits attack such areas, from the time you inform the security, it will take them over two hours before they can respond to the distress call.

“By then, whatever is going to happen will have happened – they will have killed people and kidnapped others,” he said.

The governor lamented that there were not enough security agents to provide security to all the communities in the state.

“I have said it several times, that the security agents cannot do this work alone. We didn’t even have enough of them.

“I am surprised at the way we are dying in such a humiliating manner. We were told that anyone who died in defence of his family will enter Paradise.

“You see five criminals attacking a community of 2,000 to 3,000 people, rape daughters, women and abduct others without any confrontation from the people of that community.

“If there are 100 youths in the community who confront them, they will not shoot for more than three times without being captured with bare hands.

“Paying ransom doesn’t even prevent a hostage from being killed by abductors, sometimes they collect the money and kill the victim,” he lamented.

Radda lamented that a lot of people were into that act, saying, “there was a representative of the village head who collected N700,000 from bandits and allowed them to enter his area and killed about 30 people.

“There were women arrested, a teacher serving as their informant, in fact, almost all the segments of people involved in this act.”

The governor revealed that his administration has created a Community Security Watch Corps and recruited youth from the front-line local governments.

“We trained them and attached them with the police and the army to work in synergy after providing them rifles, bulletproof vests, umbrellas, three sets of uniforms and shoes, among others,” he said.

Radda added that the government provided them 700 motorcycles, 65 Hilux cars and 10 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), in addition to the rehabilitation of others that belonged to the police.

“We pay N3 million for fueling and maintenance of those vehicles to front-line local governments and N1.5 million for vulnerable local governments and N750,000 for the remaining LGAs.

“We also purchased surveillance gadgets that you cannot find anywhere in the country. Our own is 5G and not the normal 3G,” the governor said.

He, therefore, urged the people to intensify efforts in providing information to the security agents for their security and safety.

Continue reading

at

Popular Nigerian Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, recently referred to himself as the “King of Nigeria” during a light-hearted exchange in France with an individual who claimed to be a prince from Saudi Arabia.

The moment, which was captured and shared on social media, shows Davido meeting the man on the streets of Paris.

After the fan introduced himself as a Saudi prince, Davido responded by humorously announcing, “I’m the King of Nigeria,” before both posed for a photo.

Known for his energetic presence and multiple nicknames, including “OBO” (Omo Baba Olowo) from his 2012 hit Dami Duro, “Baddest,” and “001,” Davido’s latest self-bestowed title adds another layer to his ever-growing reputation in the global music scene.

Continue reading

at

The abrupt closure of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria’s (NMCN) verification portal in February has left Nigerian nurses and midwives working abroad facing significant challenges.

With the portal inactive, healthcare professionals are struggling to renew their licenses and comply with the necessary regulatory requirements of foreign bodies, including those in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Many nurses, unable to verify their credentials, find themselves in breach of visa and employment conditions, leading to legal complications.

As a result, several nurses have been forced to return to Nigeria, some fearing their careers may never recover. One affected nurse, who requested anonymity, shared the emotional toll the situation has taken on him.

After moving to the UK in September 2023 and joining a prestigious healthcare organisation, he was left devastated when the portal closure interrupted his registration process.

He expressed deep frustration, recounting how all that remained was receiving his registered nurse pin from the NMCN portal.

Despite multiple attempts to seek assistance from the council, his efforts proved fruitless. “My career is at a standstill because the portal is closed. I’ve visited the nursing council several times, asking them to provide a letter of good standing, but nothing has changed. It’s a deeply frustrating situation,” he lamented.

The closure of the portal has affected nurses across various countries. In the UK, another Nigerian nurse, Ovie, spoke about how the delay has hindered her ability to register as a nurse, placing her future in jeopardy. “I came to the UK in February to pursue a nursing top-up programme with the aim of becoming a registered nurse here. However, the suspension of verification has left me in limbo. I cannot complete my registration, which limits my employment opportunities and affects my financial stability,” Ovie shared.

The uncertainty surrounding the portal’s reopening has also cast doubt over her immigration status, with her student visa nearing expiration. “Without registration, I won’t be able to continue working as a nurse, which may force me to return to Nigeria,” she added.

Similar frustrations are shared by Nigerian nurses in other parts of the world. In Saudi Arabia, a nurse named Hannah revealed that her plans to advance her career had been derailed by the portal shutdown. “This situation has left me in a state of despair. The threat of deportation is a constant worry,” she said.

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has been engaging with the government to resolve the issue.

Its president, Michael Nnachi, confirmed that discussions are ongoing, though there is no clear timeline for reopening the portal. “We are aware of the challenges our members are facing, and we are pushing for a resolution. However, we must ask for patience while the government addresses the situation,” Nnachi stated.

NANNM’s Deputy National President, Abubakar Shehu, expressed dissatisfaction with the delay, questioning why only nurses have been impacted while other health professionals continue to migrate abroad without issue. Shehu also noted that the NMCN registrar had promised that the portal would soon be reopened, giving nurses some hope.

Civil society groups have also condemned the government’s handling of the situation. Debo Adeniran, president of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, criticised the authorities for stifling the opportunities of Nigerian professionals abroad. “It is unfair to block our people from progressing in their careers, especially when they are bringing positive recognition to the country. The government should be supporting them, not hindering them,” Adeniran said.


(PUNCH)

Continue reading

at

The Nigerian naira experienced a slight appreciation in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) market Friday, closing at N1,593.32 per dollar, improving from the previous day’s rate of N1,639 per dollar.

On the NAFEX window, the naira strengthened by N45.98 to settle at N1,639 per dollar. However, in the parallel market, the currency saw a depreciation of N13, closing at N1,673/$1 compared to the N1,660/$1 rate recorded the day before.

Daily transaction volumes also saw a boost, with a 31.96 percent increase in turnover, reaching $245.17 million, compared to the $185.79 million reported on Thursday.

Friday’s highest spot rate was N1,665, while the lowest spot rate was N1,580. Earlier in the week, the naira had faced depreciation due to liquidity shortages.

Since the removal of foreign exchange controls last year, which had previously kept the naira artificially strong, the currency has lost around 70 percent of its value against the dollar.

Despite finding some stability earlier in 2024 through central bank interventions, including interest rate hikes, the naira is once again feeling renewed pressure.

Continue reading

at

Oil and gas analyst Henry Adigun has explained that the costs involved in producing petrol at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, which are influenced by dollar-based expenses, may prevent it from selling fuel at prices lower than those of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

During an appearance on Inside Sources, a socio-political show on Channels Television, Adigun noted that the high-quality petrol produced at the $20 billion refinery is one factor that will influence its price. He added that the production of fuel is a dollar-dependent industry, allowing Aliko Dangote, the owner of the refinery, to determine the pricing based on the costs involved.

“Dangote incurs significant expenses. He only receives 40% of the crude from NNPCL and purchases the remaining from countries like the United States. Additionally, his refinery uses a single-train system, which means he needs to blend Nigerian crude with foreign crude for production,” Adigun explained.

He further emphasized that Dangote secured loans in US dollars, not naira, and is required to repay these loans in dollars, contributing to the overall costs. When asked about the potential price of petrol from Dangote’s refinery, Adigun estimated it to be no less than ₦850 per litre due to these operational expenses.

Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, remains dependent on imported refined petroleum due to the inactivity of its state-owned refineries. As a result, petrol prices have significantly increased, particularly after the removal of subsidies in May 2023. This has intensified fuel scarcity and pushed prices from ₦200 to around ₦800 per litre, affecting citizens who rely heavily on petrol to power both vehicles and generators, especially in the face of unreliable electricity supply.

The Dangote Refinery, which began partial operations in December 2022, is poised to reach full production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day by the end of the year. It has already begun supplying diesel and aviation fuel, with plans to start petrol distribution once ongoing arrangements with the NNPCL are finalized. The NNPCL has announced that it will begin lifting petrol from the Dangote Refinery by mid-September, as the country continues to grapple with its energy challenges.

Continue reading

at

The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has said the recent hike in petroleum pump price is as a result of several years of bad administration in the sector, absolving the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri of any blame. 

The Ohanaeze Youth Wing said poor administration of the sector for years, which saw all the refineries in the country dormant for 28 years impacted stability, insisting that it is not a challenge that will be solved overnight. 

In a statement on Thursday, the National Youth Leader, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu said the decay of infrastructure, especially pipelines and failure to manage storage facilities to support the efficient operation of the oil and gas sector have all resulted in the enormous problems Nigerians are faced with in terms of pricing and affordability. 

He said, "Nigerians must ignore the narrative that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) is responsible for the challenges they are facing at the moment. In as much we believe that some steps may ought to have been taken to mitigate these challenges, it must be put on record that the Minister is not solely responsible for the high cost of petroleum products, the scarcity and the economic hardship that has come along with it. 

"There is a need for the repositioning of the oil industry especially by investigating the activities of the military and it's oversights in the oil sector before calling on the sack of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Lokpobiri Heineken."

The group has also pleaded with the federal government to look into the sufferings and hardship which the recent fuel price hike has created.

He added that, the need to revert new fuel prices is apparent as Nigerians may be unable to survive the tide. 

"We believe that to solve this problem, the government must begin to reverse the trends and right the wrongs of the past. It will begin with the immediate introduction of measures to revamp and expand domestic refining capacity to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and enhance energy security.

"Also, the successful completion of rehabilitation of port Harcourt refinery (Mechanical section) is a cheering news, which will not only increase product availability but fight the price instability the consumers have faced. 

"Additionally, we do believe that progressive supervision and monitoring of Warri and Kaduna refinery rehabilitation works towards meeting schedule deadlines will be a step in the right direction", he stated. 

Ohanaeze youths also called for continuous engagement with IOCs and NOCs in resolving industry disputes towards increasing production, resolutions of internal Joint venture contracts feud between joint ventures partners on critical productions fields, as well as engaging local communities with critical assets running through them to protect the assets all in a bid to decrease oil theft in the country.

Continue reading
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)