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Heineken Lokpobiri:Port Harcourt Refinery To Be Back On Stream December

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The minister and his team during the inspection

 

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ending petroleum product importation soon, as efforts are being redoubled to restore the nation’s local refining capacity.

This was made known by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, during an inspection tour of the rehabilitation work progress at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) Ltd. plant, in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The Minister, who was in the company of his counterpart, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ambassador Gabriel T. Aduda, and the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mele Kyari, said considering the level of progress recorded in the PHRC rehabilitation project, the plant will come back on stream by December this year.

“Our objective in coming here today is to ensure that in the next few years, Nigeria stops fuel importation. From what we have seen here today, Port Harcourt Refinery will come on board by the end of the year, Warri will come on stream by the end of the first quarter of next year, and Kaduna will also come on board towards the end of next year. If you add that to the Dangote Refinery, we will be able to stop fuel importation, and Nigerians will enjoy the full benefits of deregulation,” the Minister assured.

The Minister also said he was satisfied with the ongoing rehabilitation work at the Port Harcourt refinery, noting that once all the refineries are back on stream, Nigerians will enjoy a better supply of petroleum products, and foreign exchange will be domesticated, leading to an improved economy.

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Earlier in his remarks, the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mele Kyari, said bringing back the refineries to their optimal levels is a national aspiration, and the Company remains focused on delivering that.

“We are aware of our nation’s challenges in terms of fuel supply. But we are not here to give excuses. We are focused on delivering this rehabilitation project, our two other refineries, and all other investments towards revamping the nation’s refining capacity. We are hopeful that in 2024, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products,” Kyari stated.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo said: “We are here to go into the field. Yesterday was the era of subsidies. Today, we don’t have subsidies. Today, people are in a desperate situation to heave a sigh of relief; and see how to live. You all know that petrol is very vital to our economy. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the refineries are working,” he stated.

In a statement by Garba Deen Muhammad Chief Corporate communications officer NNPC Lited said during the visit, the two Ministers also participated in the Refineries’ Rehabilitation Steering Committee meeting and held a meeting with the refinery’s Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) Contractors.

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Market Traders Association of Nigeria Suspends Operations of 36 State Chapters

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President market traders association of Nigeria Jamilu Abbas

 

The Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) has announced the suspension of operations across its 36 state chapters and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The decision was disclosed by MATAN’s National President, Jamilu Abbas, while addressing journalists on the prevailing challenges within the association.

According to Abbas, the suspension comes in response to multiple concerns raised by stakeholders, alongside unforeseen circumstances that have impacted the organization’s unity.

He emphasized the need for solidarity, stating, “Based on the current situation across the country regarding our association, along with the receipt of various calls from stakeholders and unforeseen circumstances—including exchanges of words on our platform—I believe that we are one family, united in the progress of our great nation. That is why we are MATAN: when we work, our nation moves forward.”

The MATAN President clarified that, despite the general suspension, the scheduled inauguration for Imo State would proceed as planned, while that of Enugu State has been postponed. Abbas noted that further directives on the future of the association’s activities would be determined by the Federal Executive Council. He stated, “In view of all these developments, as the President and father of our teeming family members, I am here to announce that the Enugu State inauguration is suspended, while Imo State’s inauguration should proceed as scheduled. Furthermore, the operations of all 36 state chapters and Abuja are hereby suspended until the Federal Executive Council convenes and announces a new mode of operation for the entire 36 states and Abuja.”

Abbas acknowledged that the suspension could cause disruptions for MATAN members but stressed that it was a necessary course of action. He expressed his regret over the inconvenience, adding that he remains optimistic about the upcoming discussions with the Federal Executive Council, which he believes will provide lasting solutions to the association’s concerns. “This decision was made out of necessity. I believe the suspension may hurt our members, and we regret any inconvenience this painful decision may cause. However, we had no choice but to implement it. I am confident that the outcome of our meeting will serve as the final solution to our grievances,” he stated.

MATAN members across the country will be awaiting further updates as the association navigates this transitional phase. In the meantime, Abbas urged traders to remain united, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to resolving the underlying issues affecting the organization.

The Market Traders Association of Nigeria is a national organization committed to supporting market traders and advancing trade-related policies for economic growth. The association plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between traders and government stakeholders, ensuring that market conditions remain favorable for business development.

This latest suspension marks a pivotal moment for MATAN, with traders, stakeholders, and the government looking ahead to forthcoming resolutions.

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Tragedy in Kano: Woman k!lls husband 9 days after wedding

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A newlywed woman, Saudat Jibrin Adam, has been arrested for allegedly kill!ng her husband, Salisu Idris Ibrahim, just nine days after their wedding in the Farawa community of Kumbotso Local Government Area, Kano State.

The tragic incident, which occurred late Monday night, has shocked residents of the area.

According to eyewitnesses, Saudat allegedly asked her husband to close his eyes for a “surprise” before fatally slitti!ng his throat with a knife.

A neighbour, Dini Mada, who was one of the first to arrive at the scene, disclosed that Salisu named his wife as the attacker before succumbing to his injuries at the hospital.

“I asked him who did this to you, and he said, ‘Dini, it’s my wife. She stabbed me in the neck in the parlour.

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“She told him to close my eyes for a surprise, not knowing she had hidden a knife,” Dini recalled.

He added that Salisu’s mother, whose home is attached to the couple’s residence, alerted him moments after hearing a disturbance.

“She thought it was an external attack, but we found Salisu bleeding with his throat slit.”

The suspect reportedly locked herself in a bedroom after the attack and was discovered by police during a search of the premises.

“She was on the phone when police entered and arrested her.

“We didn’t even know she was still in the house,” Dini added.

Sources close to the deceased claimed that the couple had unresolved marital issues.

Despite displaying affection during their courtship, the suspect allegedly refused to consummate the marriage and frequently declined to cook for her husband.

“That night, Salisu bought gurasa and meat for dinner because she again refused to cook,” one friend said.

Neighbours described the suspect as appearing “normal” and often accompanying her husband to visit family nearby, which made the attack even more shocking.

Family members confirmed that Salisu was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

His brother, Tanimu Idris, said he has been buried according to Islamic rites.

As of the time of this report, the Kano State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement.

Spokesperson SP Abdullahi Kiyawa said the command is investigating the matter.

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Group distributes cash, agro-inputs to indigents in Nangere

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From Ibraheem Abdu

A group under the auspices Rural Health Mission Nigerian, has distributed cash assistance to and agro-inputs to over 130 indigents in Nangere local government of Yobe state as part of the group’s citizens development initiative move to encourage self-reliance among communities.

Speaking during the venet, team lead of the group Muhammad Ahmad Saddiq stated that the group with head office in Gombe State is in Yobe state to render assistance and also to encourage people to self reliant.

He added that those that benefited from the support included 50 pregnant women that were given N40,000 each and maternity delivery kits were also given to them free adding that 15 people with special needs had received N50,000 each.

He further revealed that 15 elderly people were also given N50,000 each as part of the group’s assistance..

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Similarly, the royal father of the day during the event that took place at Sabon Garin Nangere., His Royal Highness, the Emir of Tikau, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Ibn Grema while presiding over the distribution of the farm input to 35 farmer surged all beneficiaries to make good use of what they have received. He also commended the group for finding it worthy to assist the indigents in the area. The inputs distributed include fertilizer, spraying machines, liquid fertilizer, millet seeds, sorghum, and pest control among others.

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