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January 19, 2025 Death Toll from Niger Tanker Explosion Rises to 86; 80 Victims Buried in Mass Grave

Death Toll from Niger Tanker Explosion Rises to 86; 80 Victims Buried in Mass Grave

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed that the death toll from the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 86.

In a press statement, NSEMA Director General Abdullahi Baba-Arah revealed that the remains of the victims were recovered and buried through a collaborative effort involving NSEMA, Gurara Local Government authorities, and local volunteers.

Of the deceased, 80 were laid to rest in a mass grave located at the Dikko Primary Healthcare (PHC) premises. Five others were handed over to their families for private burials within the community, while one victim succumbed to injuries at the Dikko PHC.

The mass burial, which began at 5 p.m. and concluded at midnight, was carried out by dedicated volunteers and officials who worked tirelessly under difficult circumstances to ensure the dignified handling of the victims.

The number of injured individuals has climbed to 55, with one additional fatality recorded at the healthcare facility. NSEMA, in collaboration with other agencies, continues to provide support to the injured and their families while managing the disaster’s aftermath.

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and public awareness to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing, with further updates expected as recovery efforts continue.

In response to the tragedy, the Niger State Government has issued directives to improve traffic management and enhance safety in the affected area. Governor Umaru Bago, during a visit to the explosion site, directed that vehicles coming from the Maje axis should no longer pass through the Dikko Bridge. Instead, they must use the underpass and make appropriate U-turns.

The Governor expressed concern over the reckless behavior of some drivers and called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a detachment in the area to enforce the new traffic directive. He also urged transport unions to cooperate with the authorities to ensure compliance.

Governor Bago described the explosion as a “pathetic and tragic” event but expressed gratitude that the disaster did not spread to nearby communities. He appealed to the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the Minna-Suleja Road, citing its delayed construction as a contributing factor to the frequent loss of lives in the region.

The Governor commended the efforts of NSEMA, the fire service, and other agencies involved in the evacuation and support of victims. He also announced plans to redeploy doctors from Minna hospitals to assist in treating injured victims at the Suleja General Hospital.

This devastating incident serves as a grim reminder of the critical need for improved safety protocols and infrastructure development to prevent future tragedies.

January 18, 2025 Fuel Price Rises to N1,150 Per Litre After Dangote Refinery Adjustment

Fuel Price Rises to N1,150 Per Litre After Dangote Refinery Adjustment

The price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, has risen to between N1,030 and N1,150 per litre following a price increase by Dangote Refinery and adjustments in ex-depot prices.

On Friday, Dangote Refinery, which operates the $20 billion facility, announced a hike in its ex-depot price from N899 per litre to N955 per litre. According to an email sent to its customers, the new pricing structure now applies to marketers purchasing between 2 million and 4.99 million litres at N955 per litre, while purchases above 5 million litres will be priced at N950 per litre.

This price hike represents a N55 or 6.17 percent increase from the previous price of N899.50 per litre, which had been introduced as a holiday discount for Nigerians last December.

The refinery’s adjustment has led to varying retail price changes across filling stations nationwide. Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, confirmed that the retail price of petrol could exceed N1,100 per litre at many stations.

“Commuters may pay over N1,150 per litre in distant locations, while stations closer to depots will charge around N1,100 due to an additional N50 in logistics costs. Ex-depot prices have already risen to N980,” he explained, adding that the increase is immediate due to the recent rise in crude oil prices.

Billy Gillis-Harry, president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, noted that while it’s too early to predict the exact retail price, an increase is certain. “We still have an agreement with MRS to sell at N935, and some of us bought products at that price. If their prices change due to Dangote's price hike, we’ll need to reassess,” he said.

Filling stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have already started adjusting prices, with some raising their rates by at least N50. For example, stations that previously sold petrol for N980 per litre have increased prices to between N1,040 and N1,155 per litre.

As of Friday evening, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) retail outlets were still selling petrol at N965 per litre.

It’s worth noting that depot owners had also increased petrol prices earlier in the week, aligning with the recent rise in crude oil prices, which recently surged to $81 per barrel. Petrol prices had fallen to around N935 to N1,100 per litre last December, but with this latest price hike, higher costs are expected nationwide.

January 18, 2025 Former AIG Hakeem Odumosu’s Wife Kidnapped in Ogun

Former AIG Hakeem Odumosu’s Wife Kidnapped in Ogun

The wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu has been abducted from her residence in Arepo, Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria.

The incident, confirmed by the Ogun State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, has left the Arepo community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area shaken.

According to the police, the kidnappers executed a coordinated attack as Mrs. Odumosu was about to enter her home. Her Lexus Jeep was intercepted, and she was forcibly dragged out and taken through a swampy area to an unknown location.

“The divisional police officer has led a team of officers to the scene, and they are actively searching the swampy bush area,” Odutola stated.

Efforts to secure her release have also enlisted local community leaders. “The Baale of Warewa and Maaba have been contacted to mobilize local security forces in the riverine area,” she added.

The abduction has heightened tensions in the area, with police and local security forces intensifying efforts to locate and rescue the victim. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.

January 18, 2025 Tinubu Commends Governors for Supporting Tax Reform Bills

Tinubu Commends Governors for Supporting Tax Reform Bills

President Bola Tinubu has commended the governors for their unanimous endorsement of the Tax Reform Bills, calling their decision a “bold and commendable” step toward national progress.

On Thursday, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) declared its support for the contentious tax proposals, a move celebrated by advocates of the reforms. Responding swiftly, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga conveyed Tinubu's gratitude in a statement released on Friday evening.

President Bola Tinubu expresses his appreciation for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum following their unanimous endorsement of the four Tax Reform Bills currently under consideration by the National Assembly,” the statement read.

Tinubu praised the governors for their courage and unity in overcoming regional, ethnic, and political divisions to prioritize Nigeria’s development. He also acknowledged their leadership as a significant factor in advancing the nation's economic goals.

The governors' endorsement followed a meeting with the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy, which Tinubu described as “a model of cooperation between the federal and state governments.” According to the presidency, the dialogue underscored the importance of constructive engagement in resolving disagreements.

The president extended special thanks to Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, for rallying his colleagues to support the transformative bills aimed at rejuvenating Nigeria’s economy and improving its investment climate. He also recognized the Progressive Governors Forum, Northern Governors Forum, and other bipartisan groups for fostering consensus.

Addressing criticisms of the bills, particularly from some northern stakeholders, Tinubu emphasized their "pro-poor" design, which aims to promote national interests, enhance economic competitiveness, and attract both local and foreign investments. He stressed that modernizing Nigeria's outdated tax laws is a critical step in achieving these objectives.

“President Tinubu regards the governors as vital contributors to nation-building and remains committed to partnering with them to promote economic growth, harmony, peace, and stability,” Onanuga said.

The president also invited other stakeholders to present their ideas and suggestions for refining the bills, urging constructive engagement with the ongoing legislative process.

Tinubu called on the National Assembly to expedite the approval of these crucial bills, noting the urgency of implementing the reforms to unlock their economic benefits.

In October, Tinubu submitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly, including the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Tax Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. One of the proposals involves repealing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Act and replacing it with the Nigeria Revenue Service.

Although these proposals initially faced opposition, the recent collaboration between the federal government and the governors represents a promising step forward.

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