News
Dangote Refinery Built Without Nigerian Government Support, Says Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, revealed that the company’s 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery was constructed without any financial incentives from the Nigerian government. This statement was made during the Crude Oil Refinery Owners Association of Nigeria Summit, currently taking place in Lagos.
Represented by the Group’s Executive Director, Engr Mansur Ahmed, Dangote emphasized that the refinery, which became operational on January 12, 2024, has already reached a refining capacity of 400,000 barrels per day. The facility is now producing enough diesel and jet fuel to fully meet Nigeria’s domestic demand.
The $20 billion refinery initially began with a capacity of 300,000 barrels per day but scaled up by September 2024. On September 15, the Dangote Refinery started distributing petrol, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as its sole off-taker.
Despite being Africa’s top crude oil producer, Nigeria has long relied on imports for refined petroleum products. The launch of Dangote-produced petrol has prompted NNPCL to announce new fuel prices, ranging between N950 and N1,100 per liter nationwide.
In addition, Dangote has been a vocal advocate for the complete removal of fuel subsidies, calling on the Nigerian government to take decisive action on the matter in September 2024.
News
TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
News
Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
News
Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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