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Group Raises Alarm Over Alleged N3 Trillion Fuel Importation Fraud by NNPCL, Business Partners

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The Coalition for Economic Liberation and Transformation (CELT) has raised alarm over alleged N3 Trillion fuel importation fraud traced to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) and some of its business partners in the last  42 days.

This revelation came to light during a press conference held in Abuja on November 15, 2024.

According to CELT, Nigeria imported 1.5 million metric tonnes of premium motor spirit, 414,018 metric tonnes of diesel, and 13,500 metric tonnes of aviation fuel between October 1 and November 11.

Henry Owolabi, the Executive Director of the coalition criticized NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kolo Kyari, for prioritizing fuel importation over domestic refining, despite the availability of local refineries.

The Dangote Refinery, with a capacity to process 650,000 barrels of oil daily, is one such refinery that could significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign fuel.

CELT questioned Kyari’s decision-making process, citing the detrimental impact on Nigeria’s economy and currency.

The coalition accused Kyari of sabotaging domestic refineries and undermining the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policies aimed at strengthening the naira.

CELT demanded Kyari’s immediate sack and urged the Central Bank to halt further payments for fuel importation.

Furthermore, CELT called on regulatory agencies to verify the quality of imported fuel and investigate financial claims.

The coalition emphasized the need to prioritize domestic refining, highlighting benefits such as significant cost savings, energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Owolabi added: “Kyari and his fake fuel-importing associates have successfully rubbished the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s policies targeted at strengthening the Naira. They mopped up the limited dollars that would have gone into procuring manufacturing-related imports.

“The irresponsible importation, which is compromising the naira, borders on criminal when one recalls that President Bola Tinubu, personally, intervened to broker the naira sale of crude oil to Indigenous refineries to reduce the pressure on Nigeria’s currency and make refined products more affordable. Kyari and his lackeys insult our president by persisting in this criminal trade.

“Kyari’s leadership role in the fuel importation racket perhaps explains why he has deliberately sabotaged the nation’s investments in the three major government-owned refineries in the last two years. Why would a man who has not allowed our refineries to work be allowed to continue to lead the NNPCL?

“Additionally, this importation has severe economic consequences. The money used for importing fuel could be effectively utilised in areas, like healthcare, education and infrastructure.

“The government and other appropriate bodies must promptly tackle these concerns. They must emphasise the importance of boosting manufacturing and supporting our refineries to function at their potential.

“Consequently, the Coalition for Economic Liberation and Transformation urges the CBN to stop further payments to Kyari’s cronies in the name of fuel importation. Those who persist in importing what is readily available locally should bear the brunt of sourcing the foreign exchange to pay for their indulgence.

“Furthermore, our Coalition demands that Kyari be sacked without hesitation to restore the industry’s transparency and accountability and to prevent the NNPCL CEO and his associate from spreading contagion to other sectors of the economy.

“Finally, we demand that the necessary regulatory and anti-graft agencies step in to arrest the anomaly around fuel importation.“

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Gov. Yusuf accuses opposition parties of fueling political crisis in Kano metropolis

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf

 

 

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has accused actors in the opposition parties of fueling civic unrest and political instability in Kano.

Governor Yusuf pointed the accusing fingers while briefing journalists during the State Executive Council Meeting Wednesday, vowed to deploy drastic measures necessary to nip the resurgence of thuggery in the bud.

The Governor’s reaction follows the recent bloody crisis between some suspected political thugs who unleashed terror on another gang of politicians.

In a statement by Spokesperson of the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Governor Yusuf revealed that intelligence brief abreast with after the state security council held Tuesday clearly exposed the atrocities of those sponsoring unrest in Kano.

According to the statement, the Governor posited the elements in the opposition, who are not comfortable with the steady development, peace and stability in the state, embedded to provoke needless crisis.

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Gov. Yusuf however reassured determination of his administration to confront the challenges with equal force, insisted government would not henceforth, tolerate attempt by any elements to frustrate the enduring peace and tranquility in the state.

In the release, Governor Yusuf assured the resolution of the government to work with all the security agencies in the state to checkmate the excesses of the criminal minded elements being sponsored to cause problem.

Governor Yusuf will soon reopen the state own Reformatory Centre, at Kiru local government area as part of measures to rehabilitate and control drug abuse in the state.

During the Wednesday council meeting, the Governor also brief plans to inaugurate the newly constituted 46 of Shura Consultative Council compose of renowned Islamic Scholars, members of the academia, and other stakeholders.

To check unemployment, the Governor is determined to roll massive youth empowerment initiatives in the coming year to ensure that a significant per cent of the youth become self’relient.

 

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President Tinubu Arrives In Lagos Ahead Of Christmas Holiday

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President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos from Abuja ahead of the Christmas celebrations.

The President was received at the airport by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along with other state officials.

He is expected to proceed to his private residence in the state.

His arrival follows the presentation of the 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday.

He described it as the “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.” The proposal, he explained, is aimed at stabilizing the economy, fostering an equitable business environment, and promoting inclusive growth.

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Kano Approves 1st Term Vacation Date

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Kano State Government has approved Friday 20th and Saturday 21st Dec. 2024 as the date for the commencement of 1st term vacation to all Day and Boarding Public/Private Primary and Post Primary Schools in the state.

Therefore, Parents/ Guardians of Pupils and Students in the Boarding schools are to convey their wards home by the early hours of Saturday 21st Dec. 2024.

A statement by the Director Public Enlightenment of the State Ministry of Education Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru explained that Boarding Schools Pupils and Students are to resume back to their respective Schools on Sunday 5th January 2025 while the Day Students are to resume on Monday 6th January 2025.

The statement however quoted the Commissioner of the Ministry Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda urging Parents/Guardians of Pupils and Students of the schools to ensure total compliance with resumption dates.

The statement further warned that appropriate Disciplinary Action would be taken against defaulting Students

It appreciated the cooperation and support given to the ministry and wished the Students and Pupils successful and hitch free holiday.

 

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