By Adedapo Adesanya

After multiple promises and delays, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Yushau Ahmed, has once again announced that payment of N77,000 to corps members would begin in February 2025.

Currently, active members are receiving N33,000 per month and with President Bola Tinubu signing a new minimum wage into law in July 2024, it was expected that this will extend to NYSC members.

Speaking with the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members in Katsina State on Thursday, Mr Ahmed confirmed that the increment, which has been approved by the federal government and included in the 2025 budget, would take effect once the budget is passed.

“The federal government has already approved the increment of your allowance. It is no longer news; what we have the approval in our hands. What we are waiting for is just the passage of the budget.

“This month (January) has already ended, but once the budget is passed, by next month (February), you will start receiving N77,000 instead of the usual N33,000,” he said.

The DG advised corps members to shun every form of misconduct and other negative behaviours that could jeopardize their future ambitions.

He said diligence, honesty, perseverance and faith in God are prerequisites to a prosperous life.

He equally advised the Corps Members to respect the cultures and traditions of their host communities and quickly integrate with them after leaving the Orientation Camps.

Speaking further, Mr Ahmed urged them to add value to their host communities by initiating either personal or group Community Development Service projects that will improve the standards of living of their hosts.

Reacting to the news, a corps member currently serving in Bayelsa State identified as Ayobami, told Business Post that he was not optimistic about the promise.

“Countless times that they have promised us and we haven’t gotten anything. So I am not sure that this time will be different,” he said, adding that, “it will help a lot of us if they can actually do something this time.”

On her part – Princess Olagoroye, another corps member in Lagos, took on more optimistic approach, noting that the decision was coming towards the end of her service duration.

“I hope they are right this time because I am wrapping up my service and I hope to enjoy this privilege before it is over.”

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has seized nearly 199,495 litres of petroleum products valued at almost N200 million in Adamawa State as part of Operation Whirlwind, which was established to tackle fuel smuggling,

Speaking on the development in Adamawa State, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr Adewale Adeniyi condemned the activities of smugglers, describing them as a direct attack on Nigeria’s economy and energy sector.

According to the CGC, intelligence-led operations by Adamawa/Taraba Command officers resulted in the interception of 199,495 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N199,495,000.

“Despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s well-structured economic reforms aimed at stabilising the energy sector, certain unpatriotic individuals persist in undermining these efforts through illicit smuggling operations,” he stated.

The smugglers were found using tankers, jerry cans, and drums to transport the fuel across borders.

Detailing the smugglers’ tactics, Adeniyi revealed that they often move fuel through night-time river crossings at Dasin Waterways, illegal storage facilities near border towns, and concealed dispensing points.

“These economic saboteurs are bent on causing hardship to law-abiding Nigerians, but let it be known that the Nigeria Customs Service remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding our national economy.

“There will be no safe haven for smugglers within our operational areas,” he vowed.

The Customs boss also highlighted strategic interception points, including Mova, Dasin, the Galamba-Song axis, and the Mubi-Maiha corridor, as key locations where smuggling attempts were thwarted.

Reaffirming the NCS’s commitment to combating fuel smuggling, Mr Adeniyi assured Nigerians that Customs would continue to refine its strategies, enhance intelligence gathering, and collaborate with security agencies to dismantle smuggling networks.

On his part, the Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Finance and Administration, ACG Hussain Ejibunu, commended the CGC for his leadership and praised the officers’ relentless dedication.

He also urged public cooperation in the fight against smuggling, encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria will deepen domestic gas utilisation with the launch of five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

This is in line with the federal government’s Gas Revolution Agenda, according to a statement by Mr Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.

The groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday signalled the commencement of construction works on the five Mini-LNG plants namely: NNPC Prime LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG and LNG Arete.

NNPC Ltd stake in three of the five mini-LNG plants were put at (90 per cent in Prime LNG, 50 per cent in NGML/Gasnexus LNG and 10 per cent in BUA LNG), while Highland LNG and LNG Arete are developed by other private companies.

The plants were said to have a combined capacity of 97 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscf/d).

“This unprecedented partnership between NNPC Ltd and private investors represent a strategic leap towards energy sufficiency, off-grid industrial support and carbon emission reduction in the country,” the statement said.

Speaking at the ceremony, the chief executive of NNPC, Mr Mele Kyari, reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to Federal Government’s gas-to-power aspirations, noting that natural gas holds the key to unlocking a bright and prosperous future for Nigeria, and a catalyst for industrialization, job creation, and economic diversification.

He said the projects play a critical role in increasing access to energy for millions of Nigerians, providing job opportunities, promoting economic growth and contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while creating opportunities for gas commercialisation and supporting the Federal Government’s flare down initiatives.

“These Mini LNG facilities will ensure the efficient transportation of gas over long distances, providing a cleaner and cheaper source of energy to households, mobility, industries, and businesses. This is particularly important for regions that currently lack access to gas pipeline infrastructure.” Mr Kyari added.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, who described the development as an unprecedented feat in the history of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, said natural gas remained a veritable vehicle for accelerating Nigeria’s industrialization, economic growth and prosperity.

Mr Ekpo assured NNPC and its partners of the federal government’s support, stressed that the initiatives align with Government’s aspirations of harnessing Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for National economic development, reducing the Nation’s carbon footprint and enhancing the well-being of Nigerians.

In his remarks, Kogi State Governor, Mr Usman Ododo, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for locating the five Mini-LNG plants in the state, describing it as a step forward in Nigeria’s march towards attaining energy security.

He said the plants will unlock ample opportunities in investment, including direct and indirect employment for the state’s teeming population.

He assured of the state government’s support for the project through manpower supply, provision of adequate security and host community collaboration at the projects’ various sites from commencement to completion.

Also speaking, Chairman of the NNPC board, Mr Pius Akinyelure, said the milestone marks a significant advancement in Nigeria’s energy sector.