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Fuel Consumption Hits 80million Litres Daily, Subsidy Skyrockets

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The consumption of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, has risen to about 80 million litres daily, pushing up subsidy on the commodity to an estimated N484bn monthly, going by latest figures from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

An analysis of PMS weekly evacuation/dispatch data from March 4 – 10, 2023, obtained from NNPCL on Wednesday, indicated that a total of 558.83 million litres of petrol was evacuated during the period, translating to an average daily consumption of 79.83 million litres.

Around mid-last month, the Group Chief Executive, NNPCL, Mele Kyari, said about 66 million litres of petrol was pumped daily into the market by the oil firm, as the company was spending about N202 on every litre of PMS consumed across the country.

“Today, by law and the provisions of the Appropriation Act, there is a subsidy on the supply of petroleum products, particularly PMS imports into our country. In current data terms, three days ago, the landing cost was around N315/litre.

“Our customers are here; we are transferring to each of them at N113/litre. That means there is a difference of close to N202 for every litre of PMS we import into this country. In computation, N202 multiplied by 66.5 million litres, multiplied by 30 will give you over N400bn of subsidy every month,” the GCEO had stated.

Since January till date, the cost of crude oil has revolved around $83/barrel, while the official exchange rate has been about N460/$. Crude oil price and foreign exchange rate are the major determinants of refined petroleum products’ cost, according to operators.

Going by NNPCL’s latest fuel consumption figure of 79.83 million litres daily, and a subsidy of about N202/litre, it implies that the oil company would be spending an estimated N483.8bn to subsidise the commodity monthly.

NNPCL is the sole importer of petrol into Nigeria and has maintained this for several years. Other marketers of the commodity stopped its imports due to the difficulty in accessing foreign exchange required for PMS purchase.

NNPCL, however, has been lamenting the huge burden of PMS subsidy, as Kyari pointed out in February that this had been a drain on the cash-flow of the national oil firm.

He explained that the continuous funding of petrol subsidy by NNPCL had been ongoing without refunds from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, despite the fact that subsidy had been budgeted for in the Appropriation Act.

“But there is a budget provision for it (subsidy). Our country has decided to do this. So, we are happy to deliver this, but it is also a drain on our cash flow, and I must emphasize this.

“For as we continue to support this, you will agree with me that it will be extremely challenging for us to continue to fund this from the cash flow of the company when you do not get refunds from the Ministry of Finance,” Kyari had stated in Abuja.

Fuel subsidy is a topical issue in Nigeria. Many experts, local and international institutions have called for a halt in petrol subsidy. However, labour unions had kicked against an outright subsidy halt, on the grounds that the Federal Government must fix Nigeria’s refineries first.

Analysts at Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise recently explained that Nigeria would save about N10tn annually by the elimination of subsidies on PMS and foreign exchange.

They said the country would save about N7tn annually by halting subsidy on petrol, while an estimated N3tn would be unlocked when the Central Bank of Nigeria eventually halts subsidy on foreign exchange.

“Elimination of fuel subsidy to save an estimated N7tn annually. Elimination of foreign exchange subsidy to unlock a minimum of N3tn revenue annually from the sale of CBN forex to the official foreign exchange window,” the centre stated.

BIG STORY

Nigeria Won’t Bow To US Pressure To Accept Venezuelan Deportees — Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar

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Nigeria won’t yield to pressure from the Donald Trump administration to accept Venezuelan deportees from the United States, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar.

Speaking on Channels Television’s programme “Politics Today” on Thursday, Tuggar stated that Nigeria faces numerous internal challenges and will not serve as a dumping ground for Venezuelan inmates deported from the US amid Trump’s immigration crackdown.

President Bola Tinubu recently participated in the BRICS Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6 to 7, 2025.

At the close of the summit, which gathered the 11-member economic and political bloc with growing Chinese influence, US President Donald Trump announced a plan to impose an additional “10 percent trade tariff” on BRICS nations, including China, India, and Nigeria.

Tuggar noted that the tariff threat might not necessarily be tied to Nigeria’s attendance at the BRICS meeting.

He said, “The issue of tariffs may not necessarily have to do with us participating in the BRICS meeting.

“You have to also bear in mind that the US is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the US, some straight out of prisons.

“It would be difficult for countries like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own; we cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria. We already have 230 million people.”

The minister added that the Tinubu-led government had begun discussions with the US regarding the newly imposed visa restrictions on Nigerian nationals. He also described the recent visa limitations on Nigerians by the United Arab Emirates as unfortunate.

Nigeria accepted an invitation to become a partner country in BRICS+ in January 2025.

BRICS, which stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was established in 2006 to unite the world’s largest developing economies in a challenge to the political and economic dominance of Western countries.

BRICS+, the expanded group, now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.

The bloc represents roughly 37% of global GDP and nearly half of the world’s population, contributing about 40 percent of total global economic output.

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“Our Stories Deserve The World Stage” — Dapo Opayinka On Nollywood, Diaspora Filmmaking, And Cultural Legacy

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UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor, MC, and filmmaker, Dapo Opayinka, speaks on his journey from theatre to the big screen, building bridges through storytelling, and what’s next for African narratives in global cinema.

Dapo, you’ve had quite a journey from theatre to film, from Nigeria to the UK. Let’s start with how it all began. What drew you into acting?

Dapo: (Smiling) Ah, where do I start? I think storytelling has always lived inside me. I was that kid who would mimic characters from films or make up my own scenes with cousins during family gatherings. But professionally, it really kicked off at the London Drama School. That place sharpened me. The stage gave me discipline, and theatre? It gave me soul.

Your roles span Yoruba tragedies, British-Nigerian productions, and Nollywood cinema. How do you navigate these different worlds?

Dapo: Honestly, I don’t separate them. They’re all part of me. Being bilingual and bicultural isn’t a balancing act; it’s more like a fusion. Whether I’m Mallam Gaskiya in Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again or Gbonka in The Gods Are Not to Blame, I bring a bit of both worlds to every character. That’s the magic.

One of your standout performances was as Etieno, a Kenyan freedom fighter. What did that role mean to you?

Dapo: That one was special. Etieno wasn’t just a character; he was a symbol. Playing him in Darkest Hour to Victory pushed me emotionally. I had to tap into the spirit of resilience, of struggle; and the African story of fighting for dignity. That role reminded me why I act.

You’ve made quite the transition into Nollywood with titles like Basira in London and Sista Sista. What’s that experience been like?

Dapo: Oh, Nollywood! It’s a whirlwind; but in the best way. It’s vibrant, demanding, and beautiful. Basira in London was hilarious to shoot. And Sista Sista… that one connected deeply with diaspora realities. However, the first movie I ever acted in was Captivated by Toyin Moore. Nollywood is evolving, and I’m grateful to be part of the shift that bridges tradition with modern diaspora stories.

Interviewer: And you’re not just acting; you’re producing also?

Dapo: Yep! I’ve produced four indie films; The Actor, The Passport, Amuwa, and Apeje. Each one is a passion project. They’re stories that reflect our struggles, humour, love… all in our voice. I’m now working on The Telepath, and it’s shaping up to be my boldest yet. Let’s just say… I’m going sci-fi with an African twist.

Ireke was privately screened at Cannes recently. Tell us about that.

Dapo: That was surreal. Cannes is every filmmaker’s dream, and to have Ireke: Rise of The Maroons shown there; even privately, was humbling. It’s a love letter to heritage and identity. The film is a historical drama blended with romance, and it tells a powerful and thought-provoking story about ancestral resistance.

Set in the Bight of Benin and Colonial Jamaica in the 17th century, it follows the uprising of African captives who were unjustly enslaved and forced into brutal labour. But they fought back. The film connects West African cultural roots—like Igbo camouflage and Yoruba resilience—with the legacy of the Maroons in Jamaica. Even Queen Nanny’s origins spark that playful Nigeria-Ghana rivalry!

We’re releasing nationwide in the UK and Nigeria on 25th July, and I honestly can’t wait for audiences to experience it. It’s raw, it’s emotional, and despite the tight budget, it’s a cinematic journey that celebrates the resilience of our people and the bond between Africa and the Caribbean. It’s what African cinema should be—global, grounded, and unapologetically ours.

You’ve also built a name as a charismatic MC. How did that side of you emerge?

Dapo: (Laughs) That came naturally. I love people. I love culture. Being an MC at diasporic events allows me to celebrate us—our weddings, festivals, even protests. It’s about connection. Plus, Yoruba proverbs? Always a hit!

What’s your ultimate goal as an actor?

Dapo: I want to tell our authentic story and promote the richness of our culture. I believe our stories; if told well, are universal. My goal is to connect the African experience with real human emotions that cross language, border, and race. Simple.

You once said, “Our stories deserve the world stage.” How close are we to that reality?

Dapo: We’re closer than we think. Platforms are opening up. Audiences are curious. What we need now is to keep telling the truth—our truth—with quality and pride. The world is watching. It’s our time.

Dapo, thank you. It’s been a pleasure.

Dapo: Thank you! And to every young creative out there: keep pushing. Your voice matters.

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BIG STORY

Lagos Steps Up: Wahab’s Cleanup Blitz And Plastic Ban Herald A New Environmental Era — By Babajide Fadoju

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Over the past fortnight, spanning late June through early July 2024, Lagos State has embarked on an aggressive environmental transformation under the directive of Commissioner Tokunbo Wahab. This campaign combines rigorous enforcement, proactive cleanups, and a landmark ban on single-use plastics, signaling a decisive shift in the state’s ecological governance. Wahab’s hands-on leadership, amplified by strategic media engagement, is steadily converting skepticism into tangible progress across Africa’s largest metropolis.

The most consequential development unfolded on July 1st, when Lagos commenced full enforcement of its ban on single-use plastics and styrofoam containers. Now entering its second week, this policy has ignited vigorous debate across social media platforms, news outlets, and community forums. Early critics alleged inadequate stakeholder consultation, but the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources has systematically countered these claims. Through a multifaceted approach involving town hall meetings, digital explainer videos, and daily on-ground visibility, Wahab’s team has demonstrated extensive pre-implementation outreach.

Commissioner Wahab’s digital communication strategy has been particularly instrumental in driving awareness. Across Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, his accounts feature real-time documentation of enforcement squads confiscating prohibited materials, community cleanups unclogging critical drainages, and educational content underscoring the policy’s urgency. Viral reels revealing styrofoam-choked canals in Mushin and Bariga, juxtaposed with infographics on sustainable alternatives like reusable packaging and plantain-leaf wrappers, have translated abstract environmental concerns into visceral public understanding. This consistent visibility, officials argue, has achieved what years of subdued advisories failed to accomplish: fostering collective accountability.

The groundwork for this shift was laid in late June through targeted “Operation Deep Clean” exercises. Commissioner Wahab personally supervised multi-agency raids along environmental blackspots including the Agege Railway Corridor, Oke Koto, Isale Oja, and Agidingbi. These operations resulted in nearly 100 arrests for illegal waste dumping, unauthorized trading on drainage setbacks, and obstruction of rail corridors. Critically, each raid was documented and disseminated online, showcasing both the scale of degradation and the government’s resolve. This fusion of physical enforcement with digital transparency represents a new template for public accountability in Lagos’ governance.

Beyond enforcement, Wahab has prioritized dialogue to sustain policy legitimacy. He has engaged citizens through live interviews on platforms like The KK Show, hosted dedicated sessions with market unions, and maintained responsive communication via social media comment threads. This accessibility has reframed the narrative: environmental compliance is positioned not as punitive imposition but as shared civic responsibility. In Lagos’ hyper-connected digital landscape, where misinformation can undermine policy credibility, this proactive engagement has anchored public discourse in verifiable actions.

The dual strategy of regulation and persuasion is yielding early behavioral shifts. Though challenges persist, particularly in regulating informal vendors and major markets like Balogun and Mile 12, observable changes are emerging. Markets in Ojota, Yaba, and CMS now display signage promoting reusable containers, while food vendors openly encourage customers to bring their own bowls, a cultural shift in Lagos’ convenience-driven street economy. Bulk-buy cooperatives for biodegradable packaging have reportedly formed among trader associations, signaling grassroots adaptation.

The true significance of these weeks extends beyond cleaner streets or reduced single use plastic volumes. It represents a rupture in Lagos’ longstanding cycle of environmental apathy. Previous initiatives often faltered against public cynicism and institutional inertia. Wahab’s approach; blending uncompromising enforcement with relentless public engagement, suggests that visible political will can recalibrate civic attitudes.

The success of Lagos State’s bold ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) hinges critically on effective enforcement. This is where the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) steps into the spotlight as the operational linchpin. Charged with translating policy into tangible action, LAWMA’s mandate extends far beyond simple waste collection; it is now the frontline agency actively enforcing the ban across the mega-city.

LAWMA’s enforcement isn’t just about punitive measures; it’s a multi-pronged strategy: Rigorous monitoring and compliance checks target businesses and individuals, ensuring the ban’s regulations are understood and adhered to. Simultaneously, LAWMA is driving a massive public awareness campaign, conducting stakeholder meetings, and deploying multilingual educational materials to foster understanding and voluntary compliance. Crucially, they are integrating the ban into the core of waste management, promoting segregation, boosting recycling infrastructure, and developing systems to handle the transition away from ubiquitous SUPs.

Recognizing the scale of the challenge, LAWMA is also forging key collaborations – partnering with waste collectors, recyclers, and the private sector to build a cohesive ecosystem supporting the plastic-free vision and encouraging broader adoption of sustainable practices.

Nevertheless, substantial hurdles remain. Eight days of plastic enforcement cannot magically rectify decades of unregulated waste; two weeks of cleanups barely address systemic infrastructure gaps. Maintaining momentum requires scaling enforcement to industrial producers of single-use plastics, investing in affordable alternatives for low-income traders, and deploying circular economy solutions for plastic waste collection.

Environmental transformation is inherently protracted and underappreciated work. Yet Lagos’ recent actions under Commissioner Wahab reveal critical ingredients for success: leadership that operates in the public eye, policies grounded in operational realism, and a communication strategy that documents rather than declaims. If sustained, this model may finally turn the tide toward a Lagos where cleaner streets evolve into a healthier, more resilient urban future.

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