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Fuel Imports Hit 2.3bn Litres Despite Local Production

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Despite the commencement of petrol production by two major refineries in Nigeria in the last three months, oil marketers have continued to import and distribute the product nationwide.

According to The Punch, marketers imported “2.3 billion litres” of petrol between September 11 and December 5, 2024.

The continued importation of petrol is contrary to a public announcement by some groups of marketers who earlier stated their intention to halt petrol imports and focus on domestic supply.

The local refineries are the 650,000 barrel per day capacity Dangote Petroleum Refinery located in Lagos and the 210,000bpd capacity Port Harcourt Refining Company in Rivers State. PHRC currently produces from its old plant with a capacity of 60,000bpd.

The Dangote refinery began selling petrol in September, while the Area 5 facility of the Port Harcourt refinery started operations last Tuesday.

Despite this, recent findings (by The Punch) revealed that in the past three days alone, a total of 52,000 metric tonnes of petrol were brought into the country.

About “1322.76 litres” of petrol weighs one metric tonne. This implies that 68.74 million litres of imported fuel was brought in by dealers in three days.

For decades, Nigeria depended on the import of petroleum products to meet local demands. The situation remained even after the commencement of production by the Dangote refinery in September because of its price and insufficient output. During this period, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited was the sole off-taker from the refinery.

But after intense discussions, the Federal Government, in a statement from the finance ministry on October 11, 2024, announced that oil marketers were now free to negotiate the purchase of petrol directly from the Dangote refinery without recourse to NNPC.

This allowed for direct negotiations. Already the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has signed an agreement with the refinery for product offtake, with negotiations ongoing with the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria.

Amid these, oil marketers promised to stop fuel imports and focus solely on domestic supply.

Last week, the PETROAN National President, Billy Gillis-Harry, told our correspondent that its members would temporarily suspend the importation of petrol for the next 180 days due to the coming onstream of the Dangote and Port Harcourt refineries and production ramp-up plans by the refineries.

Similarly, major petroleum marketers announced a suspension of petrol imports following a significant boost in local supply from the Dangote Refinery, which has ramped up its operations.

The association, at a webinar last week, said its members have sourced a total of “148 million litres” of petrol from the Dangote refinery over the past 10 weeks, contributing to a major shift in the country’s fuel supply dynamics.

IPMAN is yet to secure an import licence.

But fresh findings, utilising documents obtained from the Nigerian Port Authority, on Wednesday, showed that marketers have continued fuel imports.

The products were conveyed in three vessels and berthed at the Apapa Port in Lagos State, Tin Can Port in Lagos State, and the Calabar Port in Cross Rivers.

An analysis of the document showed that on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, a ship named Binta Saleh carrying “12,000MT” (“15.864 million litres”) of petrol berthed at the Apapa port at 8:12 am. The vessel had Blue Seas Maritime as its agent and was handled at the Bulk Oil Plant terminal.

On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, another vessel named Shamal brought in “20,000mt” (“26.44 million litres”) of petrol through the Tin Can port at midnight. The ship was handled by the Peak Shipping Agency at Terminal KLT Phase 3a.

Similarly, another vessel named Watson will bring in “20,000MT” (“26.44 million litres”) of refined fuel today (Thursday) by 4:52 pm at the Calabar port. The agent, Kach Maritime, will handle the vessel at the Ecomarine Terminal.

This development indicates that the recent conversation organised by the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to eliminate the importation of petrol into the country may have ended in limbo.

The meeting attended by representatives of the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, and key stakeholders from companies such as 11 Plc, Matrix, and AA Rano, was in growing confidence of Dangote Refinery’s ability to meet the nation’s domestic fuel demand and the need to cut fuel imports.

One of the major marketers who attended the meeting confirmed to our correspondents that the discussion was still ongoing on the plan.

In the month of September, precisely on September 18, three major oil marketers brought in 141 million litres following the full deregulation of the downstream oil sector by the Federal Government.

The marketer stated that each vessel would bring in about “35,000 metric tonnes” of PMS, making a total of “105,000 metric tonnes” (“141 million litres”).

Between October 1 and November 11, 2024, more than two billion litres of petrol were imported by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and other marketers.

Documents obtained showed that NNPC and its partners imported “1.5 million metric tonnes” of PMS, “414,018.764 metric tonnes” of diesel, and “13,500 metric tonnes” of jet fuel. This is worth about “N3tn” or “$1.8bn.”

In October, NNPCL and its partners imported a total of “994,446.438 metric tonnes” of PMS, with Lagos receiving “555,121.617 metric tonnes,” Warri “281,100 metric tonnes,” Port Harcourt “94,224.821 metric tonnes,” and Calabar “64,000 metric tonnes.”

A total of “285,518.764 metric tonnes” of diesel was also imported, with Lagos receiving “162,500 metric tonnes,” Warri “58,500 metric tonnes,” Port Harcourt “56,018.764 metric tonnes,” and Calabar “8,500 metric tonnes.”

Between November 1 and November 11, a further “358,083 metric tonnes” of PMS, “112,500 metric tonnes” of diesel, and “13,500 metric tonnes” of aviation fuel were discharged at Nigerian ports.

Also, between November 23 and November 28, “78,800 metric tonnes” representing “105.67m litres” of petrol were discharged at the nation’s sea borders for onward distribution.

BIG STORY

Rejoinder To Daily Trust Article: President Tinubu Positioned For Victory In 2027 — By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

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President Tinubu is well-positioned to secure victory in the 2027 elections. His achievements, leadership experience, and the significant strides made across key sectors of governance solidify his place as the frontrunner.

  • Key Achievements and Factors for Victory

1. Direct Funding to Local Governments:

For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the 774 local government chairmen will receive funds directly from the federal government starting this month. This bold move decentralizes resources, empowers grassroots development, and strengthens loyalty to the man who initiated this transformative policy—President Tinubu.

2. Empowering Citizens:

President Tinubu’s administration has rolled out impactful programs, including student loans, consumer credit initiatives, and direct cash transfers. These initiatives have touched millions of lives and earned him unwavering support from beneficiaries who recognise the positive impact of these policies.

3. Political Dominance:

APC remains the most dominant political party in Nigeria, controlling more states than any opposition party. APC governors will rally behind Tinubu in 2027, leveraging the party’s expansive structure to consolidate support.

4. Regional Strength:

South West:

President Tinubu will sweep all six South West states. APC currently controls four states, and Tinubu’s win in Oyo during the 2023 elections further demonstrates his stronghold. By 2027, even Osun, which narrowly escaped APC control, will fall back in line.

South-South:

Tinubu will likely secure Cross River, Rivers, Edo, and Delta while achieving the required 25% in other states. APC’s current control of Edo and Cross River further reinforces this projection.

South East:

The establishment of the South East Development Commission has endeared Tinubu to the region. He is expected to win Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi while securing 25% in Anambra and Abia. APC governs Imo and Ebonyi, and with strategic campaigning, Anambra might surprise everyone in 2027.

North West & North East:

These regions remain APC’s strongholds, and Tinubu’s track record ensures that they will deliver the necessary states.

North Central:

States like Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Plateau are expected to align with Tinubu, given his strong rapport and ongoing development efforts in the region.

5. Resilience and Leadership Experience:

Tinubu’s journey from private sector success to public service is unparalleled. He served as a lawmaker, a transformative governor, and now a results-driven president. His international experience in oil, gas, and finance, coupled with his fearless leadership style, makes him a standout leader. Tinubu is the only president in Nigeria’s history to take bold steps like subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity

6. Economic Reforms and Policies:

Tinubu’s tax reforms exempt minimum wage earners and small businesses (earning less than ₦25 million annually) from federal taxes. By 2027, Nigeria will become a major exporter of refined petroleum products, with all four refineries operational.

The federal government’s agriculture policies, in collaboration with states, will yield significant results.

Security will improve, potentially with the full implementation of state policing.

Electricity management, now involving states, will lead to a more reliable power supply.

Mass transportation systems, including local, state, and federal rail services, will transform mobility.

With growing FDI, increased earnings from oil and gas, and direct investments, Nigeria will witness unprecedented progress under Tinubu’s leadership.

7. Broad-Based Support:

Tinubu’s influence transcends party lines, garnering support from private enterprises, public institutions, and even opposition leaders. Some PDP governors from the East may align with Tinubu’s vision in 2027, recognizing his ability to unify and deliver results.

8. Legacy of Leadership:

Tinubu’s record of governance in Lagos—one of Africa’s largest economies—is unmatched. When he assumed office in 1999, Lagos generated ₦400 million monthly against expenses of over ₦600 million. By the end of his tenure, Lagos’ monthly IGR had risen to ₦8 billion. This same transformational leadership is now evident at the federal level, with Nigeria’s reserves growing and states receiving triple their previous allocations.

Under Tinubu, local governments will receive significant funds. If each of the 774 local governments spends ₦2 billion monthly, the ripple effect will transform communities and improve lives nationwide. Without constitutional reforms, Tinubu is restructuring Nigeria by empowering states and local governments while maintaining harmony with governors, legislators, and the judiciary.

9. Strategic Reallocation of Subsidy Funds:

Funds from subsidy removal on petrol and exchange rates are now being redistributed across federal, state, and local governments. The judicious use of these funds will catalyse development, creating visible progress that further cements Tinubu’s leadership legacy.

10. A Leader for the Future

By 2027, Tinubu’s achievements will speak louder than promises. Nigeria will see improved security, stable electricity, a revitalized economy, and a robust transportation system. His reforms will deliver real, measurable results, leaving opponents to merely speculate on what they could do better.

If God grants him life and strength, and he chooses to contest in 2027, President Tinubu’s re-election will not just be a possibility—it will be a certainty. His vision, achievements, and widespread support make his victory inevitable.

 

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare .

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Fuji Icon K1 Loses 105-Yr-Old Mother Days After Wife’s Death

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Nigerian Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as “K1 de Ultimate,” is in mourning following the death of his mother, “Halimotu Anifowoshe,” just days after the passing of his former wife, “Hafsat,” at the age of 65.

It was gathered that the mother of the music icon was declared dead by medical professionals in her hometown, “Ijebu Ode,” Ogun State, where she resided.

A family source revealed that the centenarian passed away in the early hours of Saturday, causing the entire community of “Ijebu Ode” to mourn her loss.

It was further gathered that the deceased would be buried in accordance with Islamic rites later that day in her hometown.

According to a source, the Fuji musician has been deeply affected by his mother’s death, as they shared a close bond. He often praised her during his stage performances.

The centenarian’s death followed the artist’s earlier revelation that he inherited his musical talent from his mother, who, despite her own potential, was not permitted to pursue a career in music.

He explained that his mother was the daughter of a king, and her parents did not allow her to sing because they wanted her to marry.

K1 added that his mother was highly talented, but her parents feared that her career in music would delay her marriage.

“I was blessed with the gift of music from a young age, I was born into music. My mother was a singer before she got married. She had the gift of music and she was a princess.”

“She was not allowed to sing back then because she was a princess, and her parents were worried that allowing her to be a musician would delay her from getting married sooner. Her parents said my mother won’t be allowed to sing because she is the daughter of a king.”

It should be noted that the singer’s former wife, “Hafsat,” passed away after battling an undisclosed illness and was buried following Islamic traditions at “Abari Cemetery,” Lagos State.

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Nigerians Recruited As UK Prison Officers Sleep In Cars, Camp Near Jails

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The United Kingdom’s prison service has started recruiting prison officers from Nigeria and other countries to address staffing shortages.

However, many of these new recruits, including Nigerians, are facing accommodation difficulties, with some resorting to sleeping in their cars or camping near prisons to save on housing costs, according to a report by The Telegraph on Thursday.

This is the first time the UK prison service is sponsoring skilled worker visas for international recruits, following a rule change in 2023 that added prison officers to the list of eligible professions.

Many of the new recruits are Nigerians, including some who transitioned from other visa routes to the prison service.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) has reported cases of Nigerian recruits arriving at UK prisons under the assumption that accommodation would be provided.

Mark Fairhurst, the president of the POA, shared an example of a recruit who commuted 70 miles daily from Huddersfield to Nottingham, eventually deciding it was cheaper to sleep in his car outside the prison.

At another location, some officers set up a camp in a wooded area near the prison after learning they would need to arrange their own housing.

“We have got problems with people who turn up at the gates with cases in tow and with their families saying to the staff: ‘Where is the accommodation?’,” Fairhurst stated.

Sources from the Ministry of Justice in the UK indicate that approximately 250 foreign nationals have been recruited into the UK prison service after Zoom interviews and vetting.

In 2023, a significant portion of the 3,500 monthly applicants were from Africa.

Tom Wheatley, the president of the Prison Governors Association, attributed the influx to word-of-mouth promotion by Nigerians already working in the UK.

“It’s turned into an approach that has been promoted online by the expat Nigerian community,” Wheatley noted.

However, he acknowledged challenges, including language barriers and the difficulty of integrating foreign recruits into rural communities.

Despite these challenges, the UK prison service insists its recruitment and training processes are thorough.

A spokesperson for the Prison Service told The Telegraph, “all staff – regardless of nationality – undergo robust assessments and training before they work in prisons. Our strengthened vetting process roots out those who fall below our high standards.”

The reliance on virtual interviews has also raised concerns, with some questioning the suitability of officers recruited this way.

Fairhurst has called on the prison service to return to face-to-face interviews, stating that six weeks of training is insufficient for recruits to manage prisoners effectively.

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