News

FG Mulls Measures To Reduce Gas Price, Availability

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

The Federal Government says it will implement measures to significantly reduce the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), otherwise known as cooking gas.

It will also ensure the domestication and penetration of the LPG towards ensuring accessibility and availability for consumers across the country.

Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), made this known at a Stakeholders’ Consultative Meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ekpo said that prioritising the domestication and penetration of the LPG was one of the three priority areas of President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

He identified another area as intensifying efforts to increase upstream gas production to bridge supply and improve strategic economic sectors like Gas to Power, Gas-Based Industries (GBIs), and Gas for Export.

He said it would focus on the completion of major gas midstream infrastructure and projects, including the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, the OB3 Gas Pipeline Project and the ANOH Project.

According to the minister, this will enable flagship projects like the Brass Methanol Project to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the gas sector.

“It is imperative that we work together to unlock more resources to provide gas for power, GBIs, LNG export, and domestic use.

“(This will) foster economic growth, ensure energy security and eradicate poverty, a cardinal objective of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Nigeria is positioned as one of the leading gas-rich countries in the world. We have, however, not unlocked the full potential of this valuable resource.

“This underperformance can be attributed to gas flaring, inadequate infrastructure, pricing concerns, policy and regulatory gaps, and limited funding.

“(It also include) environmental concerns, the growing urgency for a smooth energy transition as well as a lack of comprehensive gas development blueprint,’’ he said.

The minister said that the government was committed to developing an adaptable roadmap that reflects collective intelligence.

He said that government would also learn collaboratively and act decisively to create an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

Amb. Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, stated that the challenges and opportunities within the gas sector are vast, ranging from technological advancements to environmental considerations and economic implications.

“It is through open and transparent discussions like this that we can uncover synergies, address concerns, and collectively arrive at solutions that not only meet the needs of the present but also ensure a sustainable and prosperous future.”

Alhaji Abubakar Shettima, National President, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), expressed readiness to collaborate with the government towards the actualisation of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and LPG use.

“IPMAN has the highest number of retail outlets nationwide for LPG and that of CNG will increase through our full partnership in the gas programmes of the government.

“Though the cost of LPG is a bit higher but when you compare with other sources of energy, LPG is still cheaper than kerosene. There is need to reduce the cost of petroleum products through the use of CNG,’’ he said.

Mr Osagie Okunbo, Chairman, Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), said it was looking forward to translate the gas framework on ground into reality in view of the abundant gas resources.

He added that it was being owed 1.3 billion dollars for gas that has been produced and sold in the past.

Okunbo said that this was a key issue in the gas discussion the meeting was having, urging that producers be encouraged through appropriate mechanism.

“The government should ensure that the price set for gas is such that will enable gas production.

“Gas price is due for review in April; we will be making our inputs known to the authority to make sure the price is cost reflective,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stakeholders’ engagement aimed at harnessing collective wisdom, experiences, and insights of key players in the private sector.

It is expected to produce constructive recommendations to resolve issues and chart the way forward for the industry.

News

Trump’s Airstrikes: Halt Military Cooperation With US Immediately – Sheikh Gumi Tells Tinubu Govt

Published

9 hours ago

December 26, 2025

Editor

Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Federal Government to immediately halt all military cooperation with the United States following reported US airstrikes.

Gumi warned that American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and undermine national sovereignty.

Gumi made the call in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday.

He said while Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such actions should only be carried out by what he described as “clean hands,” arguing that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead such efforts because of its global military record.

According to the cleric, Nigeria made a mistake by allowing foreign powers to play a role in its counterterrorism operations, insisting that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions often result in civilian casualties and hidden political motives.

Gumi warned that allowing Nigeria to become a theatre of war would attract anti-US forces into the country, further destabilising it.

He also cautioned that US involvement, particularly under claims of protecting Christians, could polarise the country along religious lines.

The cleric further argued that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, stressing that effective counterterrorism requires strong ground operations, which he said Nigeria has enough personnel to carry out if properly organised.

“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’.

“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies.

“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” part of his statement reads.

News

Shehu Sani Reacts To Trump’s Military Strikes In Nigeria

Published

9 hours ago

December 26, 2025

Editor

Former lawmaker, senator Shehu Sani, has reacted to reports of United States military strikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West, saying foreign powers cannot permanently handle the country’s security challenges.

Sani made the remarks on Friday via his X handle while responding to a post by the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, which indicated that the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

According to him, if the reported strikes were indeed a joint operation with Nigerian security agencies, then such action was justifiable, given the threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.

He described terrorists operating in parts of northern Nigeria as “cancerous cells,” stressing that they survive through violence and should be confronted decisively.

Sani also dismissed narratives suggesting that terrorist attacks target only one religious group, describing such claims as false and misleading.

He said: “If actually, the military strikes against the terrorists targets in the North Western part of Nigeria were a joint operation with the ‘Nigerian Authorities’ as posted by the US AFRICOM on their verified X handle, then it’s a conscionable action.

“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country.They live by the sword.The narrative that the evil terrorists only targets one faith, remains absolutely false and misleading.

“Again, the ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power. They can complimentarily or unilaterally strike, but they can’t eternally fight our battles.”