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September 9, 2024 Petrol Price Hike: NANS Seeks Meeting with Tinubu, Engages Dangote, Oil Marketers, and Lokpobiri for Dialogue

Petrol Price Hike: NANS Seeks Meeting with Tinubu, Engages Dangote, Oil Marketers, and Lokpobiri for Dialogue

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed its readiness to meet with President Bola Tinubu, if necessary, to demand a reversal of the recent increase in petrol prices.

NANS Secretary, David Bariereka, revealed this during an interview, stating that the student body is in discussions with key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, including Aliko Dangote, oil marketers, and the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), to find a solution to ease the burden on the public.

This comes after NANS announced plans to proceed with a nationwide protest against the fuel price hike, scheduled for September 15, 2024. NANS Senate President, Henry Okuomo, reaffirmed the group’s determination during a recent interview, saying the union intends to hold the government accountable for the hardships Nigerians are facing. He emphasized that the increase in fuel prices has affected students directly, and NANS is prepared to take action, not just for fuel price reduction, but to address broader issues affecting the nation.

Okuomo explained that with over 40 million Nigerian students, NANS holds significant influence and plans to make its voice heard. He confirmed that the protest is not a threat but a certainty unless the government reverses its hardship-inducing policies.

NANS had earlier called for the removal of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPCL) Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari but has since taken a more cautious approach. Bariereka urged students to disregard calls for immediate protest, clarifying that the association is not yet mobilizing for demonstrations. He acknowledged the growing challenges caused by the fuel price increase and emphasized that NANS leadership is committed to exploring all negotiation avenues with the authorities before resorting to protests.

Bariereka highlighted the success of NANS’ recent advocacy against the electricity bill hike for Band A users, which resulted in the president appointing a committee to explore solar energy solutions for Nigerian universities. He urged students to remain calm and await further directives from the NANS national secretariat regarding the response to the fuel price hike.

September 8, 2024 Fuel Scarcity and Inflation Worsen as 2024/2025 School Year Begins Monday

Fuel Scarcity and Inflation Worsen as 2024/2025 School Year Begins Monday

Parents and students are bracing for tough economic challenges, including fuel scarcity and soaring inflation, as schools across the nation resume for the 2024/2025 academic session tomorrow.

On Tuesday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC Ltd.) raised the petrol pump price from ₦580 to ₦855 per litre. In many parts of the country, the fuel is now selling between ₦900 and ₦1,200 per litre, leading to widespread outrage. Black market operators have also hiked prices, with some selling above ₦1,000 per litre.

This price increase coincided with the commencement of petrol refining by the Dangote Refinery, which many had hoped would lower the cost of fuel and, in turn, reduce the prices of goods and services. However, Nigerians were hit with disappointment when oil marketers and NNPC Ltd. announced that petrol would still be sold at market rates.

Last week, Billy Gilly-Harry, President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), warned Nigerians to expect even higher petrol prices in the coming days, emphasizing that prices would align with current market trends.

On Saturday, NNPC Ltd. reiterated that there is no guarantee of lower fuel prices, even with the company set to start lifting petrol from the Dangote Refinery on September 15. In a statement, NNPC Ltd.'s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, explained that the pricing of petroleum products from any refinery, including the Dangote Refinery, is determined by global market forces.

Soneye also addressed rumors that NNPC Ltd. is monopolizing the distribution of products from the Dangote Refinery, denying claims made by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) that recent pump price changes are hindering the refinery from offering lower prices.

Meanwhile, long queues at fuel stations persisted as of Sunday morning, with few public transport vehicles operating and fares surging nationwide. This raises concerns about how students will manage transportation to their schools, as many face challenges in securing rides and are likely to pay exorbitant fares.

September 8, 2024 Tragic Tanker Explosion Claims 48 Lives on Lapai-Agaie Road in Niger State

Tragic Tanker Explosion Claims 48 Lives on Lapai-Agaie Road in Niger State

In the early hours of Sunday, a devastating tanker explosion occurred along the Lapai-Agaie road, just 2 kilometers from the Dendo Community in Agaie Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. The tragic incident happened around 12:30 am when a petrol tanker, fully loaded with fuel, collided with a truck transporting passengers and cattle.

The truck, which was traveling from Wudil in Kano State to Lagos, suffered a massive impact from the collision, leading to an enormous explosion. The resulting fire also engulfed two other vehicles, including a crane truck and a pickup van, further amplifying the destruction.

Early reports reveal that over 48 people perished in the blaze, and more than 50 cattle were also burned alive. A mass burial for the 48 victims took place on Sunday, while rescue operations continued. Many bodies remain trapped in the charred vehicles as emergency responders from the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) and Local Government Emergency Committees (LGEMCs) search the scene.

NSEMA’s Director General, Abdullahi Baba-arah, released a statement extending condolences to the families of those affected and assuring the public that every effort is being made to manage the aftermath of this tragic accident.

Governor Umaru Bago expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the governor conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the families who lost loved ones. He urged road users to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragic accidents in the future.

Governor Bago also prayed for the souls of the departed and wished a swift recovery for the injured.

September 6, 2024 FG Approves 50% Increase in Inmates’ Feeding Allowance

FG Approves 50% Increase in Inmates’ Feeding Allowance

The Federal Government has approved a 50% increase in the feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria’s Custodial Centres, effective from August 2024, to enhance their welfare. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar explained that the increase was prompted by rising food costs.

Abubakar also addressed a viral video showing inmates in Cross River State complaining about inadequate food, noting that the video doesn't reflect the service's commitment to reforming inmates. He confirmed an investigation is underway.

Additionally, over 1,000 inmates are pursuing university degrees, with six studying for PhDs, as part of efforts to rehabilitate and prepare them for reintegration into society. Abubakar highlighted the conducive environment created for skill acquisition and personal development within the custodial centres.

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