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Marketers To Begin Direct Dangote Petrol Purchase As NNPCL Pulls Out As Sole Distributor

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Major oil marketers are set to begin the direct purchase of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly referred to as petrol, from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery between Thursday and next week, as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) ceases to be the sole off-taker of products from the $20bn refinery.

Multiple sources from NNPC and the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria confirmed on Tuesday that NNPCL was no longer the exclusive buyer of petrol from the Dangote refinery, allowing other downstream players to directly procure products from the facility.

This development coincides with unverified reports that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) had issued new, higher petrol prices across several locations in Nigeria.

When contacted on Tuesday night, George Ene-Ita, the spokesperson for NMDPRA, did not confirm these reports. He also did not respond to a text message on the matter as of the time of this report.

Meanwhile, oil marketers noted that NNPC’s decision to stop being the sole off-taker of petrol from the Dangote refinery signifies that the Federal Government has effectively ended the petrol subsidy.

Earlier reports in September had it that the Federal Government might spend approximately N236bn monthly to subsidize petrol imported by NNPC and the product NNPC solely off-took from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The report revealed that NNPC was incurring a daily subsidy of around N3.3bn on Dangote petrol, which amounted to N99bn over a 30-day period.

By ceasing its role as the sole off-taker of Dangote petrol, NNPC could now save this amount.

It’s worth recalling that the Federal Government had repeatedly stated that only NNPC would off-take petrol from the Dangote refinery after the company began selling PMS in September.

Additionally, the government, through the Federal Ministry of Finance, had recently stated that “crude would be sold to Dangote in naira from October 1.” The Ministry also clarified, “In return, the Dangote refinery will supply PMS (petrol) and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market to be paid in naira.”

“Diesel will be sold in naira by the Dangote refinery to any interested off-taker. PMS will only be sold to NNPC. NNPC will then sell to various marketers for now. All associated regulatory costs (NPA, NIMASA, etc.) will also be paid in naira. We are also setting up a one-stop shop that will coordinate service provision from all regulatory agencies, security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of this initiative.”

A senior official with a major oil marketing firm confirmed on Tuesday that dealers had not yet started purchasing petrol directly from the Dangote refinery. However, he confirmed that NNPC had ceased to be the sole off-taker of Dangote petrol.

“It is not true that major marketers have started lifting PMS from the Dangote refinery. Rather, we were made to understand that the directive to start buying directly from them (Dangote refinery) was given today (Tuesday),” the official, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak on the matter, said.

“It was in the news yesterday (Monday), but it was formally stated today (Tuesday) that marketers should not go through NNPCL again, but instead buy directly from the refinery.

“However, as of today, Dangote has not set any price. The main thing is that it is now official that marketers can approach the refinery and purchase petrol. The truth is that NNPCL is no longer willing to buy the product at a subsidized cost for marketers. That is the implication of this development, which means the petrol subsidy has been fully removed,” the major marketer added.

He also mentioned that dealers had not yet revised their prices.

“But nobody has reviewed the price yet. Everyone is still selling at the current price, both at depots and filling stations. Perhaps they want to clear their old stock first. This also suggests that anytime soon, Dangote refinery may announce its petrol price to marketers.

“No marketer has started loading directly from the plant yet. It was rumored yesterday (Monday) that marketers were to start buying directly from the refinery, but I think it was formalized last night before the announcement today (Tuesday) that we could now buy directly from the refinery.”

Another senior official with MEMAN confirmed the change in the process of purchasing petrol from Dangote by operators in the downstream oil sector.

When asked if major marketers had started buying petrol directly from Dangote refinery and at what cost, the MEMAN official responded, “We were indeed buying through NNPC and just two weeks ago we were picking up the product by trucks from the Dangote refinery through NNPC. We were paying about the same amount as we had been paying NNPCL for its products.”

“This was the situation during the last two weeks of September. We were also buying from their imported stock to store in our tank farms. Now, we are aware that something new is on the way, as we’ve seen in the news. But I wouldn’t want to comment on it until we receive the full details. However, there is a change.”

The Managing Director of another major marketing company said marketers might begin purchasing petrol directly from Dangote next week.

“I’m not sure if any marketers have started loading directly from the plant yet. Maybe that will start next week, because as of now, what has happened is that we’ve been informed that NNPCL will no longer be the sole off-taker from the Dangote refinery.

“The last cargo we purchased was through NNPCL. Maybe the next time we go, they will inform us that we have to go directly to the Dangote refinery. These things take some time. People should not be in too much of a hurry. I am confident things will become clearer by next week.”

Similarly, an NNPCL management staff confirmed that the national oil company had withdrawn from being the sole off-taker of Dangote petrol.

“The burden is heavy. NNPC will no longer be the sole off-taker of Dangote petrol. Petrol prices will now be determined by market forces,” the source stated.

  • Price Hike Unstoppable

Meanwhile, petrol prices are expected to rise to N1,029.01/litre in the Federal Capital Territory, according to a new petrol price template reportedly released by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

An online medium (not PorscheClassy News) reported that, based on the template, NNPC had been paying an average estimated differential of N134.5 per litre in eight cities over a 10-day period from September 23 to October 4, 2024.

With the anticipated withdrawal of NNPCL as the exclusive off-taker from the Dangote refinery, NMDPRA data offers insights into possible future pump prices.

In all the cities mentioned in the document, the average NAFEM FX rate used for calculating the pump price was N1,604.89/4.

In Lagos State, the indicative pump price is N991.21, while the current NNPC pump price is N855. This suggests that NNPC has been covering about N136.21 as an estimated price differential.

In Abuja, the indicative pump price is N1,029.01, while the current pump price is N897, indicating an estimated price differential of N132.01.

For Kano, the indicative pump price is N1,040.31 per litre, while the actual pump price is N904, suggesting a differential of N136.31.

In Calabar, the indicative pump price is N1,007.35, while the current pump price is N885 per litre, with an estimated differential of N122.35.

In Sokoto, the indicative pump price is N1,045.72 per litre, with the actual pump price at N904, indicating a differential of N141.72.

In Maiduguri, the indicative pump price is N1,059.39, with an actual pump price of N924, reflecting a differential of N135.39.

In Ibadan, the indicative pump price is N999.27 per litre, while the current price is N865, resulting in a differential of N134.27.

In Enugu, the indicative pump price is N1,022.63, while the current pump price is N885 per litre, reflecting an estimated differential of N137.63.

Though NMDPRA did not confirm the document, marketers noted that petrol prices would increase once the subsidy is fully removed.

“Of course, petrol prices will rise once NNPC completely halts the subsidy,” said Ukadike Chinedu, National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria.

“Nigerians should prepare for this reality. However, we hope that the sale of crude in naira will have some positive effects.”

 

Credit: The Punch

BIG STORY

Agric Ministry Declares Three-Day Prayer, Fasting For Food Security

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The federal ministry of agriculture and food security has announced a three-day programme of fasting and prayer aimed at seeking divine intervention for the country’s agricultural sector.

An internal circular dated June 11, seen by TheCable, and signed by Adedayo Modupe, director of human resource management, stated that the spiritual activity is meant to request God’s guidance in Nigeria’s pursuit of food security.

Modupe stated that all staff members are expected to participate in the fasting and prayer sessions.

“This is to invite all staff of the federal ministry of agriculture and food security to a solemn prayer session for God’s guidance and success in supporting the government’s efforts to achieve food security,” the circular reads.

The session is themed “Divine Intervention for Protection and National Development”.

The circular noted that the prayer sessions will be held at Conference Hall ‘B’ of the FMAFS headquarters in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. on each scheduled day.

Staff are expected to fast on Monday, June 16, and continue on June 23 and June 30.

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BIG STORY

Wike Defends N39bn Renovation Of Abuja International Conference Centre, Says “We Have Taste”

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Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has responded to criticisms regarding the N39 billion renovation of the Abuja International Conference Centre, saying those who are opposed to the project “do not have good taste”.

He made these remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly built left-hand service carriageway in Abuja.

Back in March, Wike disclosed that the FCT administration allocated N39 billion for the renovation of the centre, which has now been renamed in honour of President Bola Tinubu following its commissioning on Tuesday.

The renovation has sparked public backlash over the amount spent on the project.

As reported by Channels Television, Wike stated, “The only thing in that International Conference Centre that was not changed is just the block work.”

He continued, “Everything in that Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre was changed.”

Wike emphasized that Nigeria must reflect its status as the Giant of Africa in both substance and appearance. He said, “Nigeria, as the Giant of Africa, must not only show that it is the giant of Africa; people must see what makes you to be the giant of Africa. Nobody who loves this country would criticise the International Conference Centre.”

He addressed the argument about the naming of the centre, noting, “They said we did not name the International Conference Centre after someone who built it. Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikwe. Moshood Abiola International Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola.”

Wike also countered claims that the centre, originally constructed for N240 million in 1991, should not have required N39 billion for refurbishment in 2025.

He responded, “What was the exchange rate in 1991? Compare the exchange rate to what we have in 2025.”

He stressed his commitment to quality, stating, “We have taste; we want the best for the country, and the president has given the best for the country.”

Wike concluded by defending his loyalty to the president, saying, “If you did not do well to defend your boss when you had the opportunity, it is your business. I am here, and I will defend my boss.”

“I have done it, and I have no regret at all.”

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BIG STORY

EFCC Arraigns Sun Trust Bank MD, ED Halima Buba Over Alleged ‘$12m Fraud’

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has charged Halima Buba, the managing director and chief executive officer of SunTrust Bank Ltd, with allegations of money laundering.

Buba appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite of the federal high court in Abuja on Friday, alongside Innocent Mbagwu, the bank’s executive director and chief compliance officer.

They are facing a six-count charge from the EFCC, which accuses them of laundering up to $12 million.

According to the commission, Buba and Mbagwu were involved in the unlawful handling of large sums of cash on several occasions, bypassing financial institutions in violation of Nigeria’s money laundering regulations.

One of the charges alleges that on March 10, 2025, in Abuja, the two assisted Femi Gbamgboye in paying $3 million in cash to Suleiman Muhammed Chiroma and his associates.

The funds were allegedly handed over without using a financial institution, breaching the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Another charge claims they arranged another $3 million in cash to be delivered on March 13, 2025, in Lagos to Mukhtar Miko, who is said to be an associate of Chiroma, also without routing it through a bank.

Buba and Mbagwu denied all allegations when arraigned.

After their plea, lead EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo informed the court that the commission was ready to proceed with trial and requested an expedited process.

Defence lawyer J.J. Usman asked the court to grant bail based on an application submitted on May 27.

Oyedepo challenged the request, stating that the defendants were not in custody when they filed the application and should not be permitted to seek bail while outside detention.

He urged the court to dismiss the existing application and require new bail submissions.

After considering arguments from both sides, Justice Nwite approved bail for each defendant in the sum of N100 million, with one surety each of the same amount.

The sureties must have landed property in Abuja, submit the property documents to the court, and provide their passports along with two recent passport photos.

The judge ruled that the accused be held in a correctional facility until they fulfill their bail conditions and scheduled the trial to continue on July 17 and 18.

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