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FG Mulls Measures To Reduce Gas Price, Availability

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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.

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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.

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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.

READ ALSO: Protests: Deal With Issues, Stop Chasing Shadows, LP Knocks Tinubu, APC

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

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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.

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“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.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Again, Tantita Apprehends Another Vessel For Oil Theft

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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.

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“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.

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READ ALSO: Oyo, Imo, Six Others To Receive $540m AfDB Funds For SAPZs

“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.

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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.

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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.

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JUST IN: Lagos LG Chairman Dies After Prolonged Illness

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The Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Musibau Asafa, is dead.

Asafa was said to have died during a prolonged illness.

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His death, which has thrown the LCDA into mourning, was formally announced in a statement shared via Facebook on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Bodunrin Ayodele.

Ayodele, however, did not disclose when the chairman died.The Executive Chairman of Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area, Musibau Asafa, is dead.

READ ALSO: Nine Dead In Austria School Shooting

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Asafa was said to have died during a prolonged illness.

His death, which has thrown the LCDA into mourning, was formally announced in a statement shared via Facebook on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Bodunrin Ayodele.

Ayodele, however, did not disclose when the chairman died.

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The statement read, “Oto-Awori Local Council Development Area is in mourning following the passing of its Executive Chairman, Prince Musibau Adekunle Asafa.

“Prince Asafa, a respected politician, leader and dedicated public servant, succumbed to a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to the people he served.

READ ALSO: Again, Many Feared Dead In Abuja’s Nyanya-Mararaba Road Crash

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“According to a close family member, Prince Asafa’s passing was confirmed after a long battle with illness. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, he was unable to recover and passed on, leaving his family, friends, and colleagues in shock and grief.“As news of his passing spreads, tributes and condolences are expected to pour in from well-wishers, community leaders, and government officials who had the privilege of working with him. Prince Asafa’s leadership was marked by a commitment to improving the lives of his constituents, and his contributions to the local government will be deeply missed.

“Oto-Awori LCDA has lost a dedicated servant, and his passing will be felt by many. May his legacy live on, and may his family find solace in the memories of his life and service.”

The Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government Area, Abdul-Hamed Salawu through the Somolu LGA social media accounts on Saturday also condoled with Oto-Awori LCDA over the chairman’s demise.

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The post read, “The executive chairman of Somolu Local Government, Abdul- Hammed Salawu, has sent the condolences of the Executive, Legislature, Management and the people of Somolu Local Government to the people of Oto- Awori LCDA and APC family, over the painful demise of Prince Musbau Adekunle Asafa, the executive chairman of Oto- Awori LCDA.

“May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

 

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NYSC Urges Bauchi Governor To Reconstruct Collapsed Camp Fence

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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bauchi State, on Friday, called on Gov. Bala Mohammed to help reconstruct the collapsed orientation camp’s perimeter fence.

Mr Kofre Umoren, the NYSC Coordinator in the state made the call at the scheme’s permanent orientation camp, Wailo in Ganjuwa Local Government Area during the swearing in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ stream II corps members deployed to the state.

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According to him, the fence which was destroyed by a natural disaster had exposed the corps members and NYSC officials to invasion.

“I wish to remind his Excellency about our broken fence which needs urgent attention considering the security implications which make the camp porous and expose the camp community to invasion,” he pleaded.

READ ALSO: NYSC Assures Impactful Participation Of Corps Members On Host Communities

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Umoren, who expressed gratitude to the governor over the complete renovation of corps members’ hostels and the construction of a brand new Multi-purpose Hall, said there could be no better demonstration of commitment, love and fatherly care for the youth than the gesture.

On behalf of the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig-Gen Olakunle Nafiu, management and corps members in Bauchi state, I wish to thank His Excellency for giving the NYSC a befitting and conducive orientation camp.

“As we continue to savour the beauty of this new camp; may I assure the governor and the good people of Bauchi that the corps members will continue to provide services where they are most needed in the state, especially in the rural areas,” said Umoren.

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The State Coordinator explained that a total of 1,107 Corps Members, comprising 585 males and 522 females, were successfully registered and were ready to be sworn-in.

READ ALSO: NYSC Coordinator Lauds Gov. Mohammed’s Commitment Towards Scheme’s Success

He warned the corps members to adhere strictly to the orientation course timetable, NYSC Bye-laws, extant rules and other relevant policies, sayong any deviation from them could result in appropriate sanctions.

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Responding, Gov. Bala Mohammed who was represented by Alh. Auwal Jatau, his Deputy, said that the people of Bauchi State appreciated and supported the goals and objectives of the scheme.

This, he said, was the reason why his government has been collaborating with the scheme in every possible way to ensure the success of the NYSC in the state.

He explained that the renovation of corps members’ hostels and construction of the new multipurpose hall were just in the first phase of projects intended to be executed in the camp by his administration.

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“The second phase which I assure would start very soon shall include, construction of staff accommodation, a clinic and other necessary facilities including the reconstruction of the collapsed fence that I’ve just been requested by the state coordinator,” he said.

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Wike Defends ₦39bn ICC Renovation, Renaming Edifice After Tinubu

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..Put your houses in order, Tinubu tells opposition parties

Amid growing accusations that President Bola Tinubu is behind the leadership crises plaguing various opposition parties and allegedly working toward a one-party state, the President has advised opposition parties to focus on putting their houses in order ahead of the 2027 general election.

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President Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, made this call on Friday at the commissioning of the newly constructed Left-Hand Service Carriageway of the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) Stage II, from Ring Road 1 (Apo Junction) to Wasa Junction, in Abuja.

Earlier in his remarks, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support and responded to mounting criticisms over the ₦39 billion spent on renovating the International Conference Centre (ICC) and renaming it after the President.

Addressing lingering concerns about the opposition’s dwindling influence, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to multiparty democracy as pledged during his Democracy Day address. He insisted that, as a member of another political party, he could not mediate in opposition disputes.

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READ ALSO: Abati Clears Air On Begging Wike For Money

The opposition should put their houses together before the next election, so that nobody will accuse anybody of trying to stifle the opposition,” he said. “The President wants you to come together. If you cannot come together, the President cannot help you. This is politics. You’ll never unite if you continue to spread lies daily, condemning everything. Was Nigeria like this in 1960? Was Abuja like this three years ago?”

The President commended the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, for reactivating and completing abandoned infrastructure projects across the city.

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With the commissioning of this Left-Hand Service Carriageway, we are addressing a longstanding challenge. I commend the FCTA for completing projects with discipline, quality, and efficiency,” Tinubu stated.

In his speech, Wike argued that the President deserved the honour, having significantly contributed to the development of the Federal Capital Territory.

“As politicians, yes, we must criticize. But because you’re criticizing doesn’t mean you shouldn’t acknowledge progress. We are not flagging off; we are commissioning completed work,” Wike said.

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READ ALSO: Wike, Fubara To Begin Dialogue After Osoba’s Mediation

Responding to allegations of wasteful spending, Wike said: “Some people just lack good taste. The only thing in that building that wasn’t changed is the blockwork. Everything else in the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre is brand new.”

He dismissed claims that the renovation was unnecessary or politically motivated, saying: “If you love this country, you will not criticize this project. It’s not about wearing one pair of shoes or carrying a backpack. It’s about delivering value and building for the future.”

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Taking a swipe at a media house that reportedly questioned the rationale behind naming the ICC after Tinubu, Wike said: “Somebody said it should have been named after the original builder. Nnamdi Azikiwe didn’t build the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport. Moshood Abiola didn’t build the stadium named after him. That argument doesn’t hold.”

He also challenged critics who referenced the original 1991 construction cost of ₦240 million: “What was the exchange rate then? What is it today in 2025? People must learn to analyze with context instead of criticizing.”
(Tribune)

 

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