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NNPC Ltd Refutes Claims of Sole Offtaker Status, Clarifies Domestic Market is Open to Competition

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has responded to a statement issued by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which claimed that the company’s actions are undermining the Dangote Refinery Limited (DRL) and monopolizing the domestic petroleum market. Specifically, MURIC asserted that NNPC Ltd has become the sole offtaker of products from the Dangote Refinery and that this would prevent the refinery from offering lower fuel prices to the Nigerian market.

In a detailed rebuttal, NNPC Ltd has categorically denied these allegations, clarifying that the company is not the exclusive buyer of products from the Dangote Refinery or any other domestic refinery. The company emphasized that the Nigerian petroleum market operates under a deregulated, competitive framework where market forces determine pricing.

NNPC Ltd stated that the pricing of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and other petroleum products from refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, is influenced by global market forces, not by the actions of the NNPC. The recent fluctuations in the pump price of PMS, the statement clarified, are a result of these global dynamics. According to NNPC Ltd, these changes in PMS prices do not hinder the Dangote Refinery or any other domestic refinery from offering lower prices.

If current prices are perceived as high, it presents an ideal opportunity for domestic refineries like the DRL to step in and offer lower-priced alternatives to the Nigerian market,” the NNPC statement read.

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NNPC Ltd further reiterated its commitment to a free market environment, highlighting that any domestic refinery, including DRL, is free to sell its products directly to marketers on a “willing buyer, willing seller” basis. In such a deregulated system, no single entity, including the NNPC, can control the entire market.

“NNPC Ltd has no intention or desire to become the sole distributor for any refinery in a competitive market. The notion of NNPC being the sole offtaker does not arise, as refineries can sell to any marketer,” said Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd.

The statement also addressed concerns regarding lower pricing associated with domestic refining. NNPC Ltd explained that there is no automatic guarantee that domestic refining would result in lower prices for consumers. Global parity pricing still applies, and only if market prices outside Nigeria are higher would NNPC Ltd consider fully offtaking PMS from the Dangote Refinery.

NNPC Ltd also pointed out its significant financial stake in the Dangote Refinery, stating, “The NNPC Ltd cannot undermine a business in which it holds a multi-billion-dollar stake.”

In its closing remarks, NNPC Ltd expressed disappointment over MURIC’s claims, suggesting that the advocacy group should have conducted thorough research before making public statements. “As an advocacy group for fair and just treatment, MURIC should have verified the facts before making statements that are entirely flawed and have the potential to incite ordinary Nigerians against NNPC Ltd,” Soneye said.

NNPC Ltd continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining transparency and fostering a competitive, deregulated petroleum market that benefits all Nigerians.

 

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Holds Exclusive Prerogative to Choose Deputy – Malam Inuwa Waya

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Malam Inuwa Waya, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, has reaffirmed that the constitutional prerogative to appoint a new Deputy Governor rests solely with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Speaking to journalists in Kano, Malam Waya cautioned against undue interference from individuals on social media who have been attempting to dictate the Governor’s choice following the resignation of the former Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.

“It is only Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who has the prerogative to choose his deputy. People should stop coming to social media to tell him who to appoint. The constitution does not mandate him to select from any particular zone; it is entirely his decision,” Malam Waya stated.

He further explained that while political balancing may encourage consideration of candidates from Kano North or South since the Governor hails from Kano Central, such arrangements remain political strategies rather than constitutional requirements.

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Malam Waya also commended Governor Yusuf’s infrastructural strides, noting that within two years, the administration has revived water projects, advanced public-private partnerships in power, and accelerated development across education, agriculture, and investment.

“The Governor has revived the glory of Kano. With the infrastructure projects ongoing, it will be an easy sail for all of us as we prepare for 2027. He has put Kano first, and that is what matters,” he said.

On the issue of inclusivity, Malam Waya emphasized that all stakeholders, including former APC members, are being carried along in governance. He urged the people of Kano to unite behind the Governor’s vision.

“We, the old APC members, have no problem with Governor Yusuf. We are knit together in Kano, and our priority is Kano first, not any individual. The Governor knows who he will pick as his deputy, and we trust his judgment,” he concluded.

Malam Waya also extended prayers for the acceptance of Ramadan fasting and congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Kano for celebrating Sallah peacefully.

 

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ADC Reports Surge in Membership Following Kwankwaso’s Defection, Calls Him ‘Game Changer’

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially welcomed former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into its fold, touting his defection as a pivotal move that strengthens a growing coalition for political realignment in Nigeria.

In a statement released for immediate effect, the party described Kwankwaso as a “game-changer,” announcing that he has directed his network of supporters nationwide to join the ADC. According to the party, this call has already triggered a significant uptick in registrations on its online platform over the past 24 hours.

The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, framed the defection as part of a broader recognition among Nigerians of the need for a credible political alternative. The statement emphasized Kwankwaso’s experience in governance, grassroots influence, and capacity to unify as assets to the party’s ambition to “rebuild Nigeria.”

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Notably, the ADC highlighted the presence of several high-profile leaders at the defection event, including the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and leading presidential aspirants such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Their attendance, the party stated, reflects a united front and growing momentum.

The party characterized the surge in online registrations as evidence that Nigerians are aligning with what it called a “different path forward.” In its appeal to Kwankwaso’s supporters and the broader public, the ADC positioned itself as a vehicle for restoring dignity, opportunity, and public trust in governance.

“Change does not happen by chance,” the statement concluded. “It happens when people come together with purpose.”

The development marks a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape, with the ADC seeking to position itself as a converging point for influential politicians and their followings ahead of future elections.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Resigns to Pursue Bauchi Governorship Election

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 election.

Tuggar submitted his resignation on Monday, in compliance with a presidential directive requiring all political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their posts by the March 31, 2026, deadline.

The directive, issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It affects ministers, advisers, and heads of federal agencies intending to contest in the 2027 general elections.

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Reports have it that his resignation positions him to seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bauchi State gubernatorial race.

Tuggar’s entry is expected to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape, intensifying an already competitive contest for the APC nomination. His background as a career diplomat and serving minister is seen by political observers as a potential advantage, offering national visibility and extensive political networks.

With less than 24 hours remaining before the deadline, additional resignations from the Federal Executive Council are anticipated as other appointees move to formalize their electoral ambitions.

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