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AROGMA Distances Itself from NUPENG’s Planned Strike, Urges Drivers to Continue Loading

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The Arewa Oil and Gas Marketers Association of Nigeria (AROGMA) has distanced itself from the planned nationwide strike called by the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) slated for September 8th.

The President of AROGMA, Bashir Ahmad Danmalam, stated this in a release issued to newsmen.

Danmalam called on tanker drivers and Nigerians to ignore NUPENG’s directive.

He said the majority of NUPENG members are on the government payroll.

According to Danmalam, “How can the majority of Nigerians who cannot earn a living unless they go out daily, including drivers and oil workers embark on a strike that will plunge the country into further hardship?”

The AROGMA president further said Nigerians are in a critical economic situation. “If they go on strike, what are Nigerians going to earn?” he asked, noting that Nigerians are not ready for a strike.

He called on Nigerians to rally behind Dangote so they can continue to enjoy subsidies on petroleum products.

“If Nigerians do not back Dangote, and if he stops selling petrol to Nigerians, it will become very expensive,” he said.

He added that Arewa Oil and Gas is not in conflict with Dangote and commended him for the way he handles the distribution of petroleum products.

“If not for Dangote’s prompt intervention in the petroleum sector, one would have to buy it in dollars. He has the power to sell his products abroad, but due to his patriotism, he decided that Nigerians will continue to benefit.”

“Gone are the days when one had to liaise with unions to embark on industrial action.”

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“AROGMA will take legal action. We are not backing them. If NUPENG goes on strike, we will take legal action against them.”

“NUPENG’s actions show they are enemies of Nigerians.”

The AROGMA president added that they support anything that will bring positive change. “Even if Dangote makes a mistake, let us sit down with him and iron out the issues.”

“Therefore, we do not agree with the strike. We are not backing them at all.”

Danmalam said they have instructed all their drivers across Nigeria to continue loading petroleum products. “If they choose to follow NUPENG’s instruction, we are ready for them.”

“There are many drivers seeking employment with us, so we have a way of retrenching drivers. Many Nigerians want to be drivers.”

“If you are having a conflict with Dangote, go and continue with your conflict, but do not draw Arewa Oil and Gas into the issue.”

Bashir Danmalam also accused the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) of “crying wolf” over impending changes in the petroleum sector, which he claims will end their long-standing monopoly.

Danmalam alleged that NUPENG’s resistance stems from the imminent loss of illicit financial gains, imposition of levies, and the usurpation of rights belonging to other associations. “They will no longer have the monopoly to dominate the industry,” he said.

He criticized those accusing Dangote of attempting to monopolize the midstream and downstream sectors, stating that they themselves had monopolized the Nigerian petroleum space for years. “They have forgotten what they did to Nigerians. Now they are about to be sent out completely,” Danmalam said, adding, “I said this before in one of our meetings when there is too much sand in the soup, even the blind man will see it.”

Danmalam clarified that the Dangote Refinery has not banned union activities, but has proposed that its drivers form a union under a different name from the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a branch of NUPENG. “The truth is that NUPENG cannot exist without PTD. That’s what they use to cause damage. Without transportation of products, there’s tension but that era is over,” he stated.

 

Danmalam accused NUPENG of trying to sabotage the refinery’s efforts out of greed and selfish interest. “They used the system to enrich themselves. Let them go and sleep and allow our products to be delivered to outlets without cost by Dangote Refinery,” he said.

He dismissed threats of strike action by NUPENG, saying it would have no impact. “Even within the union, only a few benefit. Besides, there is division within PTD. It’s going to be a strenuous exercise for NUPENG,” Danmalam concluded.

 

 

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Emir Sanusi Seeks Compensation, Reallocation of Demolished Eid Ground Stalls

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The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has appealed to the Kano State Government to compensate traders affected by the demolition of shops at the Filin Idi market in Kofar Mata, Kano, and reallocate stalls to enable them to resume their businesses.

Professor Ibrahim Muazzam Mai Bushira disclosed this during a special prayer session organised by traders affected by the demolition at the Eid Ground in Kofar Mata, where participants prayed for divine intervention and government assistance to alleviate their hardship.

According to Mai Bushira, the Emir has written to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, requesting compensation for the affected traders and appealing for measures to address the economic losses they have suffered following the demolition.

He expressed hope that Almighty Allah would reward the Emir for his intervention and urged Governor Yusuf to consider the demands of the traders to enable them to rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods.

Mai Bushira said the demolition had caused severe hardship among traders, many of whom depended on their shops as their primary sources of income. He added that some affected individuals had reportedly died, while others had developed high blood pressure following the destruction of their businesses and the resulting economic difficulties.

He explained that the prayer session was organised to seek Allah’s intervention in their predicament and pray for the restoration of their livelihoods, noting that the destruction of the shops had adversely affected the lives of many families who depended on the market for survival.

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Speaking at the gathering, Professor Ahmad Muhammad of the Federal University, Dutse (FUD), described Kano as a major commercial centre and called on the Kano State Government to pay attention to the plight of the affected traders and the economic implications of the demolition.

Professor Muhammad also appealed to international entrepreneurs and investors to explore opportunities to support the development of the market, stressing that the destruction of the shops had resulted in substantial financial losses running into billions of naira.

He urged the government to consider establishing a modern market at the location, arguing that the Filin Idi market was not merely a trading centre for Kano but also an important commercial destination for traders from different parts of Nigeria and across Africa.

According to him, the market provides livelihoods for more than one million people, directly and indirectly, making its reconstruction and rehabilitation important to the economic well-being of Kano and its trading community.

The professor further stressed the need for a sustainable solution that would enable displaced traders to return to business, restore commercial activities and protect the economic interests of the large population that depended on the market.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the affected traders’ association, Auwal Said Umar, expressed appreciation to Almighty Allah and Emir Sanusi II for their support and intervention in the traders’ situation.

Umar said many of the affected traders were currently unable to engage in their usual commercial activities because their shops had been demolished, leaving them without the means to sustain their businesses and families.

He disclosed that the market previously had about 700 blocks of shops before the demolition, adding that many traders lacked the financial capacity to reconstruct their businesses without assistance from the government.

The association chairman said the government had allocated 75 stalls for reconstruction but appealed for an increase in the number to accommodate more affected traders and enable them to return to their businesses.

Umar called on the Kano State Government to provide additional support, stressing that the existing allocation was insufficient to address the needs of the large number of traders who lost their shops during the demolition.

The traders urged the government to work with their association and other relevant stakeholders to develop a lasting solution that would provide adequate trading spaces, restore commercial activities and ease the economic hardship caused by the demolition.

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Gombe flags off the disbursement of the second batch of the AGILE Conditional Cash Transfer

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Gombe State Government has flagged-off the distribution of ATM cards to Adolescent Girls in public schools under the Conditional Cash Transfer,CCT of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, AGILE Project.

Speaking at the flagging off of the disbursement at Government Junior Secondary School Malamsidi central in Kwami Local Government area, the Honourable Commissioner of Education, Associate Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari said the disbursement of the CCT is part of the Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s zeal and passion for the girl child education in the state.

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She said the concept is also geared towards supporting parents to cater for their children to remain in schools up to completion of their secondary education.

Associate Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari then assured the students that the government will continue to bring more educational policies that will further support students to pursue education with ease.

Earlier, the project coordinator of the AGILE, Dr. Amina Abdul noted that with the disbursement of the second cohort of the conditional cash transfer, the project was able to record significant improvement in enrollment and retention of students in schools across the state.

The project coordinator therefore urged parents to utilize the funds judiciously through supporting the education of their children.

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‎China, Nigeria Mark Friendship with Joint Cultural Mural

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‎A colourful mural celebrating both China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day has been unveiled at an overseas project site, serving as a vivid symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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‎The artwork, jointly produced by Chinese and Nigerian staff, features builders dressed in traditional Chinese costumes and Nigerian ethnic attire holding hands and dancing together.
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Above them, fireworks and white doves of peace illuminate the sky, while the inscription “10.1” highlights the dual significance of October 1, the China’s National Day and Nigeria’s Independence Day.
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‎On the left side of the mural, ancient Chinese architecture, red lanterns and auspicious cloud motifs showcase Chinese heritage.
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On the right, red earth, coconut palms and African drums reflect Nigeria’s cultural identity. Flowing ribbons weave across the painting, symbolising unity and shared destiny.
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‎Project officials described the mural as a “living testament” to cooperation at the frontline of development. They said it embodies mutual trust and support as workers from both countries overcome challenges together.
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‎The initiative underscores cultural integration and partnership, with both sides pledging to continue working hand in hand to strengthen ties.
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“Celebrating two festivals as one, we march forward with one heart,” a statement read, emphasising the commitment to write new chapters of friendship along the path of cooperation.
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‎The mural, rooted in the overseas project site, stands as a reminder of the brotherly bond between China and Nigeria, and the shared vision of building together for a brighter future.

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