General
FG Sets September Deadline to Launch Africa Energy Bank
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has proclaimed that Nigeria is on track to launch the Africa Energy Bank by the end of September 2024, months after winning the bid to site the institution.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr Heineken Lokpobiri, while receiving the Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), Mr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, assured that all necessary preparations, including structural framework and documentation, were being diligently addressed to meet the target date.
He also commended APPO for its dedication to the continent’s energy sector, highlighting the organization’s significant progress under his leadership.
“We want to very emphatically say that Nigeria is committed to hosting the African Energy Bank. We are working day and night to meet the September deadline, and we believe that we will be able to meet the deadline even if we can’t meet the deadline, the whole of Africa will see that we have put everything almost in place to host the bank.
“I want to assure you and the rest of APPO members that Nigeria is committed to her obligations as a host country, and it will not be a regret to APPO members that Nigeria was given the hosting right for the African Energy Bank,” the Minister said.
On his part, Mr Farouk Ibrahim said his visit was imperative to review Nigeria’s readiness for the Africa Energy Bank’s launch by the end of September 2024.
He appealed to the government of Nigeria not to disappoint APPO and to ensure it keeps up with its obligations.
“This is my first visit to Nigeria after Nigeria had won the hosting right to host the African Energy Bank headquarters. As a Nigerian, I am very proud of Nigeria.
“I want to appeal to you (Minister of Petroleum Resources) and to the government of Nigeria to do everything you can to conform with what you have promised APPO; the promises which informed the decision to give Nigeria the host right for Africa Energy Bank.
“Everybody is looking up to Nigeria. Ministers of other countries are already asking me when we will start. I am appealing to you (federal government) to help us to keep the Nigerian name flying.”
Business Post reports that the $5 billion Africa Energy Bank aims to address funding challenges in the African oil and gas industry and its launch is eagerly anticipated by stakeholders across the continent in the energy sector.
General
Dangote Unveils Phone Number to Report MRS Stations Selling PMS Above N739
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
General
ANLCA Airport Chapter Scores Salamatu High on Stakeholder Engagement, Trade Facilitation
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
General
FG Declares Holidays for Christmas, New Year Celebrations
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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