TodayPrice

Author: Val Kosi

  • JUST IN: Tinubu, Dangote, others hold talks on naira-for-crude policy

    JUST IN: Tinubu, Dangote, others hold talks on naira-for-crude policy

    President Bola Tinubu is currently receiving a briefing from the Implementation Committee on Crude Oil and Refined Products Sales in Local Currency at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, who chairs the committee, is leading the small delegation comprising the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Mele Kyari.

    Our correspondent spotted the committee members arriving at the Council Chamber at minutes last 02:00 pm.

    In early October, the Federal Government began implementing a policy to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in naira rather than U.S. dollars.

    This followed the Federal Executive Council’s approval which, the FG says, will stabilize fuel prices domestically and strengthen Nigeria’s currency by cutting down on the need for dollars in crude oil transactions.

    The move also allows the NNPC to supply crude oil in local currency, with Dangote’s refinery as the pilot for this strategy.

    By trading in naira, the government aims to improve the availability of petroleum products and decrease import-related costs.

    The Dangote Refinery, which requires significant crude supplies annually, is expected to reciprocate by providing petrol and diesel in naira, simplifying currency transactions and lessening the economic strain of fuel imports.

    The FG said the approach will reduce FOREX demands by up to 40 per cent as key institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and AfreximBank, support the transition.

    However, in September, the NNPCL and the Dangote Refinery were embroiled in pricing disputes.

    The NNPCL claimed it bought petrol from Dangote at a high price of N898 per litre, a rate that Dangote’s representatives called “misleading,” stating that official pricing terms were yet to be finalised.

    At Tuesday’s meeting, President May likely intervene in the simmering dispute between the two companies.

  • Minister invites cybercrime experts to shape Nigeria’s policing policy

    Minister invites cybercrime experts to shape Nigeria’s policing policy

    The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has promised to extend an invitation to two authors, Dr Tombari Sibe and Prof. Christian Kaunert, to join the Federal Government’s Committee on National Policing Policy.

    The duo of Sibe and Kaunert recently launched a book titled ‘Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Readiness, and Financial Crime Investigation in Nigeria’.

    Sibe, who is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering at Rivers State University, is a cybersecurity/digital forensic expert with over two decades of professional experience in Information Technology consulting, while Kaunert is a professor of International Security in the School of Law and Government, Dublin City University, Ireland.

    The minister insisted that experts like Sibe and Kaunert were needed in the committee, which he said was under formation.

    He said the authors would provide inputs on cybersecurity frameworks for the Nigeria Police Force.

    The minister, who was represented by his Senior Technical Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Mike Imafidor, during the book launch, said the ministry was focused on driving police reforms through the integration of advanced technologies.

    The minister said, “Another significant element is the development of a national policing policy, with the committee currently being formed.

    “The aim is to establish a framework for technology integration, avoiding isolated systems that are difficult to connect and ensuring smooth interoperability. The goal is to create a policy that guarantees the sustainability of these technological efforts.”

    Sibe, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and sent to newsmen, confirmed the development, saying the book addressed the country’s unique challenges and presented a comprehensive plan for forensic readiness to fill a gap in the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

    He said, “Most often, we look at human forensic capabilities only from a budgetary perspective—how much do we have in the budget? How much can we plan for building this registry? But we often don’t take a long-term view in terms of building financial readiness, operational readiness, or any other kind of readiness we need.

    “A key outcome of this study is to establish a clear, articulated roadmap for building forensic readiness. Another important contribution is identifying knowledge, skill gaps, and training needs.”

    “We spoke to some of the top cybercrime investigators in this country, and special thanks go to the agencies that contributed. This allowed us to pinpoint the specific gaps that need to be filled.”

    He said that the book further discussed cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and blockchain and highlighted the challenges and opportunities of such technologies.

    Providing more insights on why they authored the book, Sibe added, “Nigeria has witnessed a surge in cybercrime incidents, and this has been quite disturbing.

    “Apart from the financial loss suffered by victims of cybercrime, Nigeria as a nation also suffers from reputational damage.”

  • JUST IN: Protest rocks INEC over demand for Ondo REC redeployment

    JUST IN: Protest rocks INEC over demand for Ondo REC redeployment

    Scores of demonstrators from Ondo stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, from the state.

    Waving banners and placards with messages such as “Mahmood: Redeploy Babalola Now” and “We Don’t Want a Repeat of Edo Fiasco,” the demonstrators blocked the entrance to the national secretariat, demanding a meeting with INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to voice their concerns.

    The protest comes a week after the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, made a similar request, citing concerns over Babalola’s alleged links to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Speaking at a Peoples Democratic Party campaign rally in Akure, Makinde argued that Babalola’s background in Ondo may compromise the neutrality of the electoral process.

    Supporting the governor’s stance, Ayo Adeyemi, Leader of the demonstrators and Convener of the Ondo Youth League, told journalists that while they had no personal issues with the REC, they could not risk any potential bias in the upcoming election.

    Adeyemi stated, “Redeploying Babalola is in the best interest of our people and INEC to ensure a free and credible election.”

    He added, “We urgently demand that INEC redeploy Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, from the state. We respect her accomplishments, especially as a woman who has risen to such a prominent position. But for a free and fair election in Ondo, we can’t have Babalola overseeing the process. She grew up here, knows nearly everyone in the public sector, and is highly familiar with the state.
    Babalola hasn’t done anything wrong; we simply want her reassigned to another state to avoid any possible conflict of interest.”

    “We’re not here to criticise INEC’s operations; we just want an unbiased REC to oversee the upcoming governorship election.”

    Responding to the protesters, INEC National Commissioner, Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd), commended them for their orderly conduct.

    Alkali assured them that the commission would consider their concerns regarding Babalola’s position.

    “We appreciate seeing you come here well-organised. INEC operates impartially, without alignment to any political party or candidate. We function under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he

    said. “We’ve received your letter, and INEC will consider it thoroughly. Rest assured, your concerns will be analysed and addressed by the commission chairman.”

     

  • Police arrest notorious thug in crackdown on violence in Kano

    Police arrest notorious thug in crackdown on violence in Kano

    The Kano State Police Command on Tuesday made a significant breakthrough in its fight against thuggery, arresting a notorious thug identified as Inuwa Zakari, also known as “Gundura,” alongside 14 others.

    The Command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest via a press statement released to The Punch in Kano.

    Gundura, 24, who was wanted for terrorising the metropolis, was also identified as the assailant who attacked a Vigilance Group Commander, inflicting life-threatening injuries and damaging a police vehicle.

    The arrests were made during clearance operations conducted between 25 and 27 October 2024, following directives from the State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, to launch aggressive action against thuggery.

    The police sent a clear and strong message that such violent activities would not be tolerated.

    The suspects are currently undergoing investigation at the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department and, upon completion, will be charged in court to face the full extent of the law.

    The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation for the public’s continued support and cooperation.
    He stated, “This isn’t the first time the Kano State Police Command has taken decisive action against criminal activity.”

    The Kano Police Command had previously arrested 269 suspects for looting during a protest in August 2024.

    The Police Commissioner urged everyone to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through emergency contact numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, or 09029292926 for prompt action.

  • NDDC pledges support to police, other security agencies

    NDDC pledges support to police, other security agencies

    The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says the Commission will not relent in providing the needed support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the region to enable them to function optimally.

    Ogbuku stated this when the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bala Mohammed, recently redeployed to Rivers State, paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

    This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Director of Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama and sent to newsmen. 

    Ogbuku added that despite the commission’s recent donation of operational vehicles and communication gadgets to the Rivers State Police Command, a contract award for supplying Solar – lights to the nine police state command headquarters in the region will soon be concluded.

    He assured: “The Niger Delta Development Commission is committed to giving adequate support to the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the region to ensure effective job performance.

    “As part of this commitment, we have been able to provide security gadgets and operational vehicles to the police and we are determined to collaborate and link up with other state commissioners of police and sister security agencies in the region to enhance their operations.”

    The NDDC boss commended the Rivers State Commissioner of Police for his good track record and achievements, as well as the police command’s successes in fighting crime, thus minimising the number of kidnappings and other criminal activities in the state.

    Earlier, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police said he was at the commission headquarters on a familiarisation visit and to seek the support of the NDDC in fighting crime and criminality in the state.

    The police boss, who underscored the importance of community policing, observed that the interface with NDDC would promote a healthy synergy in security and intelligence gathering.

    He also urged the public not to hesitate to report police misconduct to his office for disciplinary action.

  • Sokoto residents decry delayed sales of subsidised rice

    Sokoto residents decry delayed sales of subsidised rice

    Residents of Sokoto State, especially those within the metropolis, have called on the state government to identify points of sale of its subsidised rice to the people.

    Punch reports that the state governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu, flagged off rice sales to the people of the state about two weeks ago at a 55% per cent discount rate at Kware town, Kware Local Government Area of the state.

    This move, according to the governor, was part of a measure to make life easy for the people, especially with the current economic situation in the country.

    The governor during the flag-off about two weeks ago said, “A bag of 50kg of rice will be sold at the rate of N38,700, while the 25kg will go for N19,350 and 10kg is expected to be sold at the rate of N7,740.

    “We have also advised the committee on the sales of the foodstuffs to also consider those who can not afford the aforementioned sizes and to also attend to those who want to buy plates of the items.

    “The government is not ready to collect the proceeds of the sales but to open a special account to put the proceeds, which we will use again to buy other foodstuffs to continue the projects.

    “The state government expended a sum of 14.488 billion naira on this project with 280 trailers of rice, while the ward in the state is entitled to one truck, which is equivalent to 600 bags of rice.”

    Speaking on the current situation, Mallam Usman Bello, a resident of the metropolis, said the long wait is gradually demoralising the people of the state.

    He said many people in the state have put so much hope in the sales of the rice. ” We have been waiting for this thing since the announcement of the flagging off was made but unfortunately, nothing seems to be working.

    “Life is so difficult with a bag of 50kg foreign parboiled rice in the market now going for between N95,000 and N105,000 depending on where you get it.

    “We have moved to most of the wards in the metropolis to find out about the sales of the subsidised rice as promised by the state government.”

    Also speaking, a woman, Hajia Asabe Lawal, said her husband has set aside some amount of money to procure the item since it was launched but the reverse seems to be the case as she could not get the rice as expected.

    “I had the opportunity to move to about three wards in Sokoto South Local Government but could not get the rice to buy.

    “We are appealing to the government to make this rice available to us at the market as promised with a subsidised rate to enable us to have food on our table.”

    Responding to the development, the state Commissioner for Information, Sambo Danchadi, said the committee on the sales of rice in the state is busy with transportation of the items to the local government levels.

    He said the state government committee led by former deputy governor, Chiso Abdullahi, is currently supplying the items to the local government committee.

    “Yes, they have started moving the items to the local government level, starting with the faraway local governments like Isa, Sabon Birni, Kebbe, Gudu, and Tambuwal.

    “I believe once they are done with those faraway local governments, those close by will be the next port of call.

    “I want to assure our people in the state that the rice is intact and will soon get to everyone in need of it,” he assured.

  • Nigerian film, Mai Martaba, to compete at 2025 Oscars

    Nigerian film, Mai Martaba, to compete at 2025 Oscars

    The Nigerian Official Selection Committee for the Best International Feature Film category of the Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, has selected the epic Hausa film “Mai Martaba” as a contender for the category at the 97th Academy Awards.

    This was according to a statement obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday.

    The statement noted that the film highlights themes of love, greed, and betrayal in an ancient African kingdom that once experienced a trade boom through the Trans-Saharan trade exchange, which was short-lived due to a fierce internal power struggle among the powerful Agadashawa ruling clan.

    The movie was shot on location in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria.

    It partly read, “The film, produced by Prince Daniel, was selected for its relevant theme of diverse voices in decision-making and inclusive leadership, as well as its visual and technical appeal.

    “During a voting process among the 15-member committee, the film received the highest number of votes.

    “The IFF Executive Committee will determine the next stage for the film.”

    The 97th Oscars is set to be held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States. It will broadcast live to over 200 territories worldwide.

  • JUST IN: N750m donated as Tinubu, others unveil Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem

    JUST IN: N750m donated as Tinubu, others unveil Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem

    President Bola Tinubu has launched Nigeria’s 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem at the Council Chamber of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

    He pledged to prioritise the welfare of servicemen and women as they secure the country’s territorial integrity and her citizens.

    Speaking at the brief ceremony on Tuesday, Tinubu acknowledged the role of Nigeria’s armed forces as the Federal Government’s first line of defence.

    He highlighted his administration’s commitment to supporting military personnel and honouring those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

    Tinubu also noted the pivotal role of security in Nigeria’s economic future, pledging continued allocation of resources to address security challenges across the country.

    Tuesday’s ceremony also featured several significant donations as a gesture of support for the armed forces.

    On behalf of the FG, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation pledged N500m.

    The National Assembly, represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, contributed N200m, and the nation’s top security heads, including the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police, collectively committed N50m on behalf of the military and police.

    Details shortly…

  • DSS clears ministerial nominees for Senate screening

    DSS clears ministerial nominees for Senate screening

    The Department of State Services (DSS) have cleared the ministerial nominees put forward for President Bola Tinubu.

    This means the Senate will now screen the nominees for confirmation.

    Meanwhile, Senator Lado in a statement on Monday has confirmed that ministerial nominees have commenced documentation ahead of their screening and confirmation by the Senate, which commences on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

    The statement read, “He stated that the nominees were already submitting relevant documents as first in the series of procedures for the screening and confirmation of ministerial nominees.

    “The nominees are expected to be screened and confirmed by the Senate in compliance with Section 147 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended).”

    Recall that President Tinubu had written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation
    of appointments of seven ministerial nominees announced in Abuja on Wednesday.

  • I will make you disappear – Abia Rep, Alex Ikwechegh assaults Uber driver | VIDEO

    I will make you disappear – Abia Rep, Alex Ikwechegh assaults Uber driver | VIDEO

    A member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, has been caught on camera assaulting an e-hailing (Bolt) driver, who went to deliver a package to him.

    The video was recorded by the driver whose name is yet unknown in Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.

    The video depicted the visibly angered Reps member representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency (APGA) repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver for telling him to come out and get the snail the driver was meant to deliver to him.

    In the footage, Ikwechegh insisted that the request was disrespectful given his social status while threatening to make the driver “disappear” without facing any consequences.

    “Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money.

    “I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up, I will do that myself. I will show that I am a big brother to you, tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey.”