News

Fuel Price May Fall As Petrol Vessels Berth At Port

Published

2 years ago

November 19, 2023

The pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, may be reduced in filling stations operated by independent marketers this week, following the massive imports of PMS by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, oil dealers stated on Saturday.

It was gathered that the recent hike in petrol prices at retail outlets operated by independent marketers was due to the short supply of the commodity, which led to acts of profiteering by both depot owners and filling stations.

But operators in the downstream oil sector confirmed to The PUNCH on Saturday night that several cargoes imported by NNPCL had arrived in Nigeria, as some of them were currently discharging at the ports.

“Once the products start hitting filling stations, fuel price will reduce, because the recent high cost was due to supply drop,” the National Public Relations Officer, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ukadike Chinedu, The PUNCH.

On Thursday, oil marketers blamed the emergence of queues for petrol at filling stations in Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa and Niger states on the low supply of PMS by its sole importer – NNPCL.

However, the national oil company refuted the position of marketers, as it argued that the queues in the affected areas were due to a “price war.”

But going by the latest development concerning the imports by NNPCL, operators in the sector stated that the queues would not only disappear but there would be a reduction in price at independent filling stations.

Currently, petrol is mostly sold at between N580 and N613/litre at filling stations operated by NNPCL. Most other marketers dispense the commodity at higher rates, with some selling PMS for as high as N670/litre.

“The most important thing now is that cargoes carrying PMS ordered by NNPCL have arrived, some of them have berthed and they are discharging. So the partial scarcity we are experiencing now will be gone,” Ukadike said.

He noted that the inflow of foreign exchange during the Yuletide would not necessarily impact petrol prices, rather the increased imports by NNPCL should warrant a reduction in price.

He said the large PMS imports were confirmed to marketers by NNPCL.

On whether marketers had started receiving the products, Ukadike replied, “By Monday we will start receiving from Port Harcourt and Warri, based on my last discussion with the NNPC management.”

Another major marketer also confirmed the position of IPMAN, as he stated that “when you wet the market with products, there’ll be no room for profiteering.”

Earlier, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, stated that the position of oil marketers as regards the re-emergence of fuel queues was not true, as he insisted that the oil firm had enough products.

“That is not true. The recent tightness in Abuja is essentially a price war which is typical of any competitive market. Motorists would rather queue at filling stations that offer lower prices than others.

“While NNPC retail is selling at N613/litre in Abuja, other marketers’ prices range from N625-N650/litre,” Soneye said.

News

Sokoto Introduces Allowances For Imams, Mosques

Published

13 minutes ago

August 31, 2025

Editor

The Sokoto State Government has introduced monthly allowances for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state, alongside new allocations to Jumu’at Mosques.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director General of
Media and Publicity for Sokoto Government House, Abubakar Bawa, noting it as part of efforts to strengthen Islamic propagation and Qur’anic memorisation among children.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu announced the measures on Saturday at the graduation of 111 Qur’an memorisers from the Sokoto branch of the Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation.

Aliyu explained that the new allowances and mosque allocations were designed to support clerics in carrying out their duties effectively while ensuring that the teachings of Islam continue to thrive in the state.

“We have also introduced monthly cash allocations to all our Jumu’at Mosques, ranging from N300,000 to N500,000 depending on their category.

“In addition, monthly allowances have been introduced for Imams, their deputies, and Mu’azzins across the state to support them in the discharge of their duties,” he said.

The governor noted that Islamic affairs remain central to his administration’s “Nine-point Smart Agenda,” ranking second only to security.

“Encouraging Qur’anic memorisation among our children will help raise a generation that upholds the good teachings of Islam in line with the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),” Aliyu added.

He also directed the school management to identify land for the establishment of a permanent site, assuring that the state government would provide the necessary support.

At the event, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, praised Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi for establishing the foundation and lauded scholars in the state for promoting Islamic ideals and peaceful coexistence.

Former Sokoto governor, Aliyu Wamakko, represented by Aminu Sufi, urged parents to encourage their children to embrace Qur’anic memorisation.

Similarly, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, represented by Lawal Liman, pledged continuous support for the foundation and announced a donation of N22 million alongside food items to the graduands and the school.

The religious school’s proprietor, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, represented by Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, said the foundation’s expansion to other states was aimed at keeping children in structured Qur’anic learning environments and reducing street begging.

Each of the 111 graduands received N20,000 and clothing materials from the Sokoto State Government during the ceremony, which ended with Qur’anic recitations and prize presentations.

News

Things To Know About Late Ex-IG Solomon Arase

Published

50 minutes ago

August 31, 2025

Editor

The late Solomon Ehigiator Arase, former Inspector-General of Police, left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s policing and security landscape.

The news of his death was confirmed by his family in a statement on Sunday.

He died at age 69 after an undisclosed illness at Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, on Sunday

Here are 20 key highlights from his life and career:

1. Arase was born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area, Edo State, and grew up in a family that valued education and discipline

2. He studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1980, laying the foundation for his career in public service.

3. He later earned a Law degree from the University of Benin, enhancing his understanding of legal and civil frameworks.

4. He also obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Lagos, further strengthening his academic and professional credentials.

5. He completed advanced studies at the National Defence College, combining academic excellence with strategic and professional police training.

6. Arase was recruited into the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, marking the beginning of a distinguished law enforcement career.

7. He served as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State and Assistant Inspector-General in charge of intelligence, overseeing critical security operations.

8. Arase participated in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia, gaining international experience in law enforcement and security.

9. He was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy, reflecting his dedication to professional development and strategic leadership.

10. Arase was appointed Inspector-General of Police in April 2015, taking charge of the nation’s top policing body.

11. He introduced reforms including the Police Complaints Response Unit to address misconduct and improve public trust in the police.

12. He created the Intelligence Response Team to manage high-profile crimes and enhance operational efficiency.

13. He issued a directive banning officers from searching citizens’ phones, strengthening civil liberties and human rights.

14. He advocated for forensic development, community policing, and improved welfare for rank-and-file officers, modernising Nigeria’s policing approach.

15. He chaired a task force in Edo State enforcing anti-Community Development Association laws, ensuring accountability and compliance in local governance.

16. Arase was appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission in January 2023, serving until June 2024, promoting merit and transparency in the Force.

17. He promoted merit-based recruitment and transparency, aiming to professionalise and depoliticise police appointments and promotions.

18. The deceased founded the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, providing scholarships in medicine, engineering, security studies, and other fields for youth development.

19. He focused particularly on supporting children of deceased police officers, ensuring they had access to education and opportunities.

20. Arase retired from the Nigeria Police Force on June 21, 2016, but remained active in public service until his passing, leaving a legacy of reforms, public service, youth empowerment, and dedication to improving policing in Nigeria.

News

Police Mourn Ex-IG Arase’s Death

Published

1 hour ago

August 31, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the passing of Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

Arase died earlier today at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. Arase was 69 years old.

Confirming his death in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force said, “The news of the passing of IGP Arase was officially communicated to IGP Kayode Egbetokun, through his first son, Mr Solomon Osabohien Arase Jr, on Sunday.”

IGP Egbetokun paid a condolence visit to the family in Abuja, extending sympathies on behalf of the NPF and acknowledging the ex-IG’s indelible contributions to police reform and national security.

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase was a highly educated officer with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, a Law degree from the University of Benin, a Master’s in Law from the University of Lagos, and a Ph.D. in Public Law from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981, and rose through the ranks, serving in key roles such as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of the Force Intelligence Bureau, and Deputy Inspector-General of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

Arase was appointed as IGP in April 2015 and served until his retirement on June 21, 2016.

Explaining his impact, the statement read, “During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens’ rights.

“IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond.”

“Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation, he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students.”

IGP Egbetokun, while paying a condolence visit to the family of the deceased IGP, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Force Arase’s families.

Egbetokun described his passing as a “deep pain” to the force, praising his professionalism, bravery, and leadership.