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Subsidy Removal: We’ll Deploy Electric, CNG-Powered Buses For Mass Transportation — Shettima

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Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, says the federal government would fervently promote the widespread use of compressed natural gas (CNG) cars for public transit in every state.

Shettima spoke while in charge of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Thursday about the elimination of the petrol subsidy.

According to a statement by Olusola Abiola, director of communication, office of the vice-president, the action was a part of the resolutions made at the fourth NEC meeting.

The council’s decisions came after Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of the Anambra state, addressed on behalf of the NEC ad hoc committee and discussed how to mitigate the effects of the termination of petrol subsidies.

“We will also pursue vigorously, the mass deployment of CNG-powered vehicles and establishment of autogas conversion plants/kits in all states in the short-term,” Shettima was quoted as saying.

“We will also deploy electric buses and cars with charging infrastructure across the country.”

Although the vice-president did not state when these resolutions would be fully implemented, he noted that the council decided to support enhanced engagements between state governors and the leadership of the labour unions across the states.

Shettima said the committee also proposed the provision of cost-of-living allowances to civil servants in both the state and federal civil services.

“The council agreed to support the federal government’s efforts to scale up infrastructure, especially to give attention to fixing dilapidated highway roads across the country,” he said.

“Other highlights of the NEC meeting are as follows: outstanding balances at the end of June excess crude account, $473,754.57, stabilisation account N27,524,857,142.27, development of natural resources fund N98,421,834,602.86.

“Monthly statutory and exchange gain, non-oil revenues balance as at January to June 2023 is N104,978,145,865.86; solid mineral development fund (SMDF) balance as at January to June, 2023 is N835,511,263.00.”

On the state budget support facility as at June 30, he said that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) outstanding liability was N1,718,705,566,436.25.

Shettima said the presentation on revenue outlook made by Muhammad Nami, chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), focused on major revenue reforms implemented between 2020 and 2023.

“Four key areas highlighted include; restructuring tax operations and administration, automation of tax administration, operational processes, creating a customer-focused service, and creating a data-centric institution,” the vice-president added.

On June 8, oil distributors under the aegis of the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) pledged to donate 100 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to help mitigate the effects of petrol subsidy removal.

The marketers, led by Winifred Akpani, the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Northwest Petroleum and Gas Company Limited; made the commitment during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a week after the announced the removal of petrol subsidy.

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Jigawa State Governor Loses 24-Yr-Old Son A Day After Mother’s Demise

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Tragically, just one day after the passing of his mother, Governor Namadi of Jigawa has now lost his 24-year-old son.

A statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel, confirmed that the governor’s son sadly lost his life in a road accident on Thursday.

“To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

“With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, His Excellency Mallam Umar Namadi, Governor of Jigawa State, announces the passing of yet another member of his family; his dear son Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

“He departed this world this afternoon (Thursday, December 26th, 2024) as a result of a ghastly motor accident along Dutse-Kafin-Hausa Road. “The burial rite is taking place at this moment in Kafin Hausa town, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

“A 24-year-old, late Abdulwahab is survived by his parents and many siblings. “To Allah belongs that which He has taken, and to Him belongs that which He has given, and everything has an appointed time with Him.”

 

More to come…

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Sokoto Counters Military, Says 10 Civilians Accidentally Killed In Air Strike

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The Sokoto state government says no fewer than 10 civilians were killed when a military air strike targeted suspected terrorists in Gidan Bisa village, Silame LGA of the state.

Abubakar Bawa, press secretary to Ahmed Aliyu, governor of the state, wrote in a statement issued on Wednesday.

Bawa quoted Abubakar Rana, chairman of Silame LGA, as saying that the incident occurred around 6am on Christmas Day, when two military fighter jets “mistakenly” dropped bombs on the village.

Aliyu, who was accompanied by Aliyu Wamakko, leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, and Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, minister of labour and employment, attended the funeral prayers for the victims.

Consoling the villagers, the governor described the incident as “unfortunate.”

“The military jets were on their mission to eliminate criminal armed groups terrorising the state and mistakenly bombed innocent people of this community,” he said.

“We consider this a mistake because the same military had on several occasions successfully raided many criminal hideouts in the state.”

Aliyu prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and strength for their families.

Muhammad Sifawa, secretary to the state government, announced a relief package of N20 million and 100 bags of assorted foodstuffs for the families of the deceased.

He also assured that the state government would cover the medical bills of the injured.

The military had denied reports of civilian casualties in the bombing.

Reports said air strikes conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji, targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group, had inadvertently killed civilians in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.

However, Abubakar Abdullahi, joint media coordinator for the operation, said the strikes targeted locations confirmed to be linked to the insurgents.

“All military operations are based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions to ensure precision and protect civilian lives,” Abdullahi said.

“The targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action.”

Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, told TheCable that the missiles were launched following credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.

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Adron Homes Celebrates Christmas With Customers, Reaffirms Commitment To Bridging Nigeria’s Housing Deficit

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As the world embraces the joy and warmth of the Christmas season, Adron Homes and Properties, Nigeria’s foremost real estate company, has extended heartfelt greetings to its esteemed customers while reaffirming its commitment to addressing the nation’s housing challenges.

In a message of gratitude and celebration, Adron Homes expressed deep appreciation to its customers for their trust and loyalty throughout 2024. The company highlighted its unwavering dedication to making incredible housing affordable for all Nigerians, in line with its mission of reducing the country’s housing deficit.

“Christmas is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude,” the statement read. “As we reflect on the year, we are proud to have played a role in making homeownership a reality for thousands of Nigerians. Our vision is clear—to bridge the housing deficit by providing affordable, luxurious, and secure homes for all, regardless of income level.”

Adron Homes has continued to lead the real estate industry by implementing innovative solutions that make homeownership accessible, including flexible payment plans and cost-effective housing models tailored to meet diverse customer needs.

As part of its Christmas and end-of-the-year celebration, the company has launched a special festive promotions ‘Lemon Friday’ aimed at encouraging more Nigerians to join its growing community of homeowners.

“We remain committed to transforming dreams into reality. This is not just about building homes; it’s about building futures and creating opportunities for families to thrive in a space they can call their own,” the statement added.

Adron Homes extended warm wishes to all Nigerians and its global customers, urging them to embrace the season’s spirit of love and hope. “May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and prosperity this Christmas and beyond.”

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