🗞️ Keep calm and queue for fuel
Petrol scarcity is back for the 100th time, NEPA is fighting everyone, You should find higher ground, more flood is coming, Oronsaye report: latest update
Kim K was right, nobody wants to work anymore fr. All my favourite podcasts have gone on a break, so I’m over here raw-dogging life by listening to my inner voice talk all the time. It’s not right, it’s not right!
This edition was written by Hope Ibiale, and edited by Adetomiwa. That News News is an independent self-funded project by me (Adetomiwa). If you find it useful, you can support us by sharing, donating, or sending us sweet treats.
In this edition:
Petrol scarcity is back for the 100th time
More palliatives
NEPA is fighting everyone
You should find higher ground, more flood is coming
Oronsaye report: latest update
This edition is 2,800 words (approx 8 min read)
Petrol wahala
NNPC declared a state of emergency, but it's a good thing?
During the Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week, the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, declared a state of emergency on oil and gas production in Nigeria. Kyari stated that this move is geared towards Nigeria’s crude oil production and growing its reserves.
According to Kyari, the declared state of emergency means war against challenges facing crude oil production in Nigeria. He stated that the country can produce more crude oil but the stakeholders are not acting in an orderly manner.
Kyari also assured Nigerians that the old crude oil pipelines would be replaced and a new rig-sharing programme would be introduced.
However
There have been queues in fueling stations indicating a looming fuel scarcity. This scarcity is a result of the drop in petrol supply because of the $6 billion debt incurred by NNPC.
Nigeria’s gasoline debt is piling up
Nigeria’s gasoline debt has hit $6 billion and a few traders are backing out. At least two suppliers already stopped participating in recent tenders after hitting self-imposed debt exposure limits to Nigeria.
As a result of the piling debt, NNPC will import via tender about 850,000 tonnes in July, which is a sharp contrast to the 1 million tonnes acquired in the previous months.
The reduced gasoline acquisition may result in fuel scarcity as fresh fuel queues have already started to form in Lagos and Abuja this week, and some Abuja stations have stopped selling gasoline.
Politicking
Does your local government have elected local government councils?
Across Nigeria, fewer than 21 states don’t have duly elected local government councils. According to an investigation by Punch, governors in these states appoint caretaker committees to run the local government affairs.
Experts have concluded that the state government stops local government council elections to have access to the funds allocated to the local government.
Some of the states without a local government council include Jigawa, Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Kwara, Zamfara, Benue, Yobe, and Cross River.
President Bola Tinubu has spoken against the caretaker committees in local governments, but these acts have continued.
Imo Assembly suspends four members
The members were suspended over impeachment plot allegations. The lawmakers allegedly plotted to impeach the Speaker, Mr. Chike Olemgbe. The suspended members include Ahiazu-Mbaise, Samuel Otuibe; Ezinihitte-Mbaise, Henry Agbasonu; Okigwe, Chidiebere Ogbunikpa and Oru-West, Dominic Ezerioha.
Nnamdi Kanu might be released soon
The South-East Governors Forum has started sharing plans to visit President Bola Tinubu and liaise with the Federal Government for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in jail since 2021.
The date of the meeting with the president has not been revealed yet, but the governors are optimistic about the outcome of the meeting.
The governors’ forum also discussed their strategies for tackling insecurity in the region.
The FG said Kanu was arrested for terrorism, treasonable felony, managing an unlawful society, publication of defamatory matter, illegal possession of firearms and improper importation of goods, among others
In October 2022, Nigeria’s Court of Appeal dropped all charges of terrorism against Kanu and approved his release. However, Buhari’s presidency refused to release him
For a year Kanu remained in detention illegally, until the Supreme Court overturned the Court of Appeal’s ruling
Nigeria is about to birth a new state
We might have to relearn the state and capital song because the bills seeking to create a new state in the Southeast region have passed the first reading. The proposed new state will be known as Etiti, with Lokpanta as the capital and it will have 11 local government areas.
Asue Ighodalo’s triumph has been declared invalid
A Federal High Court in Abuja has nullified the Edo People's Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary that produced Asue Ighodalo as its governorship candidate, citing significant irregularities and failure to adhere to the party's guidelines.
The court accused the political party of violating electoral practices and intentionally excluding 378 delegates from voting.
The decision highlights the importance of maintaining democratic principles and the rule of law within political processes.
Oronsaye Report
The Nigerian House of Representatives has started reviewing the Oronsaye Report, which was submitted in 2012 to help various government agencies reduce governance costs. - Punch
At the start of the year, the FG decided to implement the Oronsaye report, which in 2011, recommended a drastic curtain agencies and ministries and bodies under the government (we did a short overview here)
At the time of the review, the FG decided to implement some of the report’s recommendations and set up a committee to review and decide which to implement.
A public hearing on the review is scheduled for July 10 in Abuja
Money Matters
Nigeria’s concerning debt profile
Accounting firm, PwC has expressed apprehension about the escalating public debt of Nigeria, which has reached N121.6 trillion. The firm noted that the country’s fiscal deficit is above the 3% threshold of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
The firm also noted that this level of debt is accompanied by a growing deficit, raising concerns about the country's economic stability and the long-term sustainability of its fiscal policies.
The firm highlights the need for prudent fiscal management and strategies to mitigate the risks associated with such a high debt burden.
As Nigeria continues to borrow to fund its budgetary shortfalls, PwC's analysis suggests that without significant economic reforms and revenue growth, the country may face serious challenges in debt repayment and economic development.
SERAP is calling out CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project is urging the CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso to account for the missing N100 billion dirty notes and other funds like the N7.2 billion budgeted for the construction of the CBN Dutse branch.
SERAP stated that the missing funds suggest grave violations of public trust. If Cardoso and CBN don’t account for the funds, then SERAP will take legal action.
The organisation also expressed its concern over CBN’s inability to effectively manage public funds and maintain public trust.
Some States can’t access education fund
28 states of Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, have failed to access the N36.1bn education fund provided by the Universal Basic Education Commission in 2023 due to the inability of state governments to raise the 50% counterpart of the amount they need.
In an interview, Education Advisor, Dr Ebenezer Leo The Great, disclosed that several states couldn’t access the fund because of the matching grant. He also stated that the education board was working towards reducing the matching grant.
It's raining palliatives
The Federal Government has approved palliatives worth N4.3 trillion to 19 million households across the country.
The approved palliatives include N100 billion to acquire 3,000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses, N200bn to boost agriculture production, N75bn for manufacturers, and N125bn for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the informal sector.
According to the presidency, the palliatives are meant to help cushion the effects of the harsh economy and rising inflation.
Several economists have stated that the palliatives are essential but they should not be used to enrich government officials.
Take your old dollars to the bank
CBN has instructed banks and foreign exchange dealers to stop rejecting old series and lower denominations of dollars. The CBN stated that there would be sanctions for any bank forex or dealer that refuses to follow these instructions. So if a bank rejects your dollars, you know what to do.
Governor Biodun Oyetunji will support an increment in the minimum wage, on one condition
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, during a meeting with the state’s civil servants, said the governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, are not against approval of a living wage for Nigerian workers. However, Oyebanji believes the increment is possible if certain things are in place.
According to the Oyebanji, states will afford a new minimum wage when there is a concurrent increase in the state’s allocation fund. If this isn’t in place, then there would be massive rounds of layoffs.
The governor also encouraged the civil servants to view agriculture as a possible stream of income.
But NLC is not having it
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) through the head of information and public affairs for the NLC, Benson Upah, have expressed their displeasure over the involvement of the Governors’ Forum in the ongoing minimum wage battle.
Upah also criticised the governors for trying to hijack the minimum wage negotiation process.
Healthy living don cost
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the average cost of a healthy diet per adult per day in Nigeria rose to ₦1,041 in May 2024, up 1% from April. The highest costs were in the South-East and South-West regions, while the North-West recorded the lowest.
The report indicated a 32% increase since December 2023. Animal-source foods were the most expensive, contributing to rising diet costs.
The NBS emphasized the need for collaborative strategies to address diet affordability and access.
P.S: There are new tax regulations
The Nigerian Federal Government has introduced new withholding tax regulations effective July 1, 2024.
These regulations, signed by Finance Minister Wale Edun, address past ambiguities and aim to simplify tax compliance and administration, reflecting global best practices.
The regulations apply to eligible transactions under the Capital Gains Tax Act, Companies Income Tax Act, Petroleum Profits Tax Act, and Personal Income Tax Act.
The new regulations were created to exempt small businesses and manufacturers from certain tax charges, reduce rates for low-margin sectors, and minimise tax evasion.
The changes are expected to ease the tax burden on businesses and promote fairness in the tax system.
Fraud
The Godwin Emefiele CBN administration is still under investigation
The Senate panel is currently probing the N30tn Ways and Means loans secured from the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN by the Federal Government. Recently, the panel received more documents that will aid their investigations.
3,000 fake graduates have been discovered
JAMB has uncovered 3,000 fake graduates across several institutions in Nigeria. The Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, stated that these suspects never attended an institution but they have been issued certificates.
JAMB urged candidates to follow the right process of gaining admission to any institution. Oloyede also stated that any admission not captured in its Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) is illegal.
After a thorough investigation, it was discovered that Nigerian tertiary institutions offered 706,189 ‘illegal’ admissions across universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and mono-technics between 2017 and 2020.
The top five universities that offered illegal admissions within 2017-2020 include institutions in Plateau, Benue, Ogun, Kwara, and Delta states.
The Supreme Court stand their ground on Francis Atuche’s conviction
After 13 years of trial, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB Plc, Mr Francis Atuche. Mr Atuche, his wife, Elizabeth, and Mr. Ugo Anyanwu, were arraigned in 2011 over a N25.7 billion fraud.
Francis Atuche and Ugo Anyanwu were sentenced to 6 years and 8 years respectively by the High Court.
In an appeal to the Supreme Court, the decision to convict Atuche and Anyawu, while Mrs Atuche remains free, was upheld.
Internet fraud remains a threat to the economy
Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of EFCC has stated that Nigeria lost $500 million to internet fraud. During an event, Olukoyede said 71 international companies have left the country because their accounts were hacked. He also promised to tackle all internet fraud cases.
Ministry of Women Affairs is owing everybody
The House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development has called for the Minister of Women Affairs to address the pressing issue of outstanding debts amounting to N1.5 billion owed to various contractors.
The minister is expected to provide explanations and a plan for settling the debts to prevent any further disruption in services that are vital to the empowerment and support of women and children in Nigeria.
Insecurity
New bombings in Borno state
At least 18 people have been killed after suspected suicide bombers deployed explosives at a wedding, a burial, and a hospital in Borno state. No terrorist group has taken responsibility for the attacks.
Authorities have begun an investigation into the bombings and 2 female suspects have been arrested.
According to a local government official, 30 female suicide bombers were deployed to different locations in Gwoza, Borno state.
4 bombers have successfully detonated the bombs while authorities are searching for others.
EFCC to investigate its operatives
EFCC has begun investigating two operatives who were seen assaulting a woman during a raid.
In a video shared on social media, EFCC operatives were captured forcefully breaking into a female worker’s room at the Regional Hotel in Ojo, Lagos and hitting her repeatedly.
The chairman of EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the arrest of the accused operatives and he has also set up a disciplinary panel that will properly investigate the case.
It’s still unclear why there is a camera in this room
Police arrest suspected serial killer
The Edo state police officials have arrested the suspected killer of Glory Adekolure, a final-year student whose remains were found.
According to the police, the suspect has confessed to committing the crime and to also murdering eight other young women.
Electricity woes
Another electricity cost Increase
Nigeria’s electricity discos have announced an increase in tariffs for Band A customers from N206.80/kWh to N209.50/kWh, effective July 1. According to them, the new tariff approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission was due to their high operational costs occasioned by rising inflation, and exchange rate fluctuations.
Meanwhile, possible blackout in Ondo
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced a planned maintenance that will result in a two-month power outage in Ondo and Ekiti. The maintenance, scheduled to begin on July 1, 2024, aims to upgrade and improve the power infrastructure in the region. While the citizens of these states have been told to prepare for the electricity outage, TCN’s spokesperson said the power outage has not been approved yet.
Aliko Dangote University is deep in electricity debt
The Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has stopped supplying power to Aliko Dangote University over an N248 million electricity bill. The university’s management has requested that the power be restored as they try to settle the bill, however, their plea has fallen on deaf ears.
The school’s management said they would also have to pay an additional N20 million alongside the outstanding debt.
The school is facing other academic and water challenges. They have called the government to their aid but their request is still under consideration.
With the crippling electricity debt and other challenges, the school’s dean of student affairs, Prof. Abdulkadir Dambazau noted that the school is left with three options; aid from the state government, students bearing the brunt, or the management shutting down the school.
UNIBEN is on lockdown indefinitely
The Senate of the University of Benin has shut down the school indefinitely after students took to the streets to protest against the weeks of power outages on their campus.
The students demanded a 24-hour electricity supply but the school's management deemed their request outrageous and shut down all academic activities.
Students have been asked to vacate their hostels, however, non-teaching staff and other staff on duty will remain on the school premises.
Cholera and flooding
The Nigerian government has issued a warning about an increased risk of cholera outbreaks due to ongoing heavy rains and flooding across the country.
The Ministry of Health is advising the public to take preventive measures to avoid cholera infections, which are exacerbated by poor sanitation and contaminated water sources.
According to the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Joseph Terlumum, a total of 63 deaths and 2,102 suspected cases have already been recorded.
More on flooding
It appears the reported flooding from the past few days is only the tip of the iceberg as the Federal Government is predicting that there is more flooding to come.
According to a report by the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency 31 states are at high risk of flooding.
The states at risk include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe
Other news
In the ongoing tussle over the Kano Emirate, lawyers representing the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, have withdrawn their legal representation. In response to this, the ruling judge, Justice Adamu-Aliyu has extended the ruling till July 18 - Channels TV
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) clarified that a drone, not a helicopter, crashed near Rumji Village, Kaduna. NAF spokesperson AVM Edward Gabkwet urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation and confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the mishap - Guardian
The group of Nigeria’s Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been announced. The Super Eagles will face Benin, Rwanda, and Libya in the qualifying stage which will run from September to November - BBC
The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill aimed at enhancing the regulatory powers of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). The purpose of this bill is to safeguard the citizen’s information and to ensure the efficient handling of national identification records - Arise News
Dr. Tiri David, a lecturer with the Federal University Dutsinma, FUDMA, in Katsina State, has been killed by bandits. During an attack on Dutsinma Local Government, the terrorists murdered Dr. David and abducted his children - Vanguard
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