General
I Delayed Subsidy Removal to Enable Tinubu Become President—Buhari
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The immediate past president of Nigeria, Mr Muhammadu Buhari, has explained why he did not remove the payment of subsidy on the premium motor spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol when he was in power.
The government of Mr Buhari paid several trillions of Naira in fuel subsidy despite describing it as a fraud before he took over from former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
After signing the Petroleum Industry Bill into law, Mr Buhari delayed its implementation, especially because of the part which made it illegal to pay petrol subsidy. Instead, he passed this on to his successor.
On May 29, 2023, when he handed over power to Mr Bola Tinubu, the new leader declared that subsidy for fuel was gone because his predecessor did not make provision for its payment in the 2023 budget.
On Monday, June 26, 2023, Mr Buhari, through his spokesman, Mr Garba Shehu, explained that the decision to delay the removal of the petrol subsidy was purely political.
In a note titled Buhari Didn’t Fail To Remove Subsidy, he explained that Mr Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would have lost the presidential election if it had been removed before the exercise.
“Poll after polls showed that the party would have been thrown out of office if the decision as envisaged by the new Petroleum Industry Act was made,” he said.
Read the full statement below:
Why did it take the new Tinubu/ Shettima presidency weeks to remove the petrol subsidy when Buhari didn’t do so for years fails to ask the right question.
The massive electricity subsidy. The fraudulent fertilizer subsidy. Hajj/Christian Pilgrim subsidies. Remember them?
The diesel subsidy. The aviation fuel subsidy. LPFO. Kerosene. Cooking gas and the other subsidy policies we found in place, and put them firmly on the ground. Remember them?
For those with short memories, many of those subsides were all in place when president Buhari was elected to office in 2015: all those in place were gone by May 2023 – including the annual fertilizer subsidy that weighed 60-100 billion Naira (that’s trillion naira in about 10 years – yes you read that right) heavy on the federal budget each year.
So no, Buhari didn’t remove the petrol subsidy – but in vitally important stages he removed every other budget-busting, egregious, economic-growth-crushing subsidy along the way.
So far, I have refrained from answering these repeated questions on the removal in Nigeria of subsidies on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS and that arising from the dual rates of the Naira in the Central Bank and the parallel market: Why did Buhari “fail” to do these?
First of all, my thinking is that instead of the former President answering this question, it is the Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC that is best suited to speak and failing to do this, we are forced to say what will follow here.
Secondly, we are mindful of the fact that with a Tinubu/Shettima presidency now in place and for which there is a “New Sheriff in Town.”
We do not want to distract them from the onerous tasks facing them and the nation. Neither is it our wish to take the spotlight away from them in any way.
In terms of the timings of the decisions to remove fuel subsidy and unify the currency, the Tinubu/Shettima administration has done overwhelmingly well. Even more importantly, they have been most dexterous in managing the aftermath of the decisions by successfully avoiding any crisis.
To this extent, our wish and prayers are that fellow countrymen will continue to support the new leadership in these very laudable decisions and, in particular, for the Labour leadership and civil society to work with them to ensure that the palliative efforts as promised are successfully implemented.
The decision to remove subsidies, as in our case – and we believe in all situations – was not for the President to take all by himself.
That’s why it’s important to remind ourselves – and all those who have conveniently forgotten – that Buhari administration had been on this pathway from the very beginning in 2015.
Removing subsidies for the Naira and PMS was cued and put on hold. Look for example in the Petroleum Industry Act. The important decision was kept for a better time.
It could not have come at a time when tensions were high in the country and no responsible leader would have added fuel to the fire.
In the view of many-including those in the security circles- only a new administration with a goodwill that fills a warehouse can attempt this, and here now comes in the wit and grit of the Tinubu government.
Finally, we must be politically honest with ourselves. The Buhari administration in its last days could not have gone the whole way because the APC had an election to win. And that would have been the case with any political party that was seeking election for another term with a new principal at its head.
Poll after polls showed that the party would have been thrown out of office if the decision as envisaged by the new Petroleum Industry Act was made.
With the election now behind us, a capable leader as we now have in place is best positioned to move forward. We have nothing but confidence that the new administration will carry the nation and all its constituents into a stable future in the aftermath of these major economic and financial decisions.
As they say, there are times when you have to lose in order to win.
Garba Shehu
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A Federal High Court in Lagos has been urged to stop the federal government from further extending the moratorium on the ban on sachet alcohol in the country.
This request came from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which asked the court for injunctive orders restraining the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Attorney-General of the Federation who represents the Federal Government, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), from further extending the deadline and interfering with the statutory powers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce the ban.
The federal government intends to prohibit the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol in sachet format but manufacturers are lobbying to alter this.
A few days ago, the federal government suspended the policy due to concerns raised by the House of Representatives Committee on Food and Drugs Administration and Control.
This action was applauded by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), which noted that the sachet and PET segment of the alcoholic beverage industry accounts for a significant portion of the estimated N800 billion invested in the sector and supports thousands of direct and indirect jobs in manufacturing, packaging, logistics, wholesale and retail.
But SERAP seems not to be impressed with this as it, in a suit marked FHC/L/CS/2568/25, prayed for a perpetual injunction restraining the government from directing, preventing, blocking, or stopping NAFDAC from enforcing the prohibition, in line with its statutory functions under Sections 5 and 30(c) of the NAFDAC Act, the Spirits Drink Regulation, and the Memorandum of Resolution executed on December 19, 2018.
The civil rights group argues that the continued delay by the relevant federal authorities in enforcing the ban amounts to a failure to implement long-standing public health regulations designed to curb alcohol abuse, protect public safety, and safeguard citizens’ well-being.
In an originating summons dated December 15, 2025, SERAP contends that the ongoing circulation of sachet alcohol violates the National Health Act, 2014, the NAFDAC Act, the Spirits Drink Regulation, 2021, and the Memorandum of Resolution of December 19, 2018, which collectively mandate a nationwide ban on sachet alcohol.
The organisation wants the court to determine whether the Minister of Health can lawfully refuse or fail to enforce the prohibition, and whether any federal authority has the power to interfere with or delay NAFDAC’s statutory duty to enforce the ban.
It also wants the court to decide whether, given the acknowledged dangers of alcohol abuse, judicial intervention is required in the interest of public health, public safety, and public order.
According to SERAP, sachet alcohol, often cheap, highly potent, and widely accessible, has been linked to rising cases of alcohol abuse, particularly among young people and low-income communities. It argues that the 2018 Memorandum of Resolution and subsequent regulations were adopted precisely to address these risks.
Among the reliefs sought are declarations that the sachet alcohol ban is a valid regulation under the NAFDAC Act; that the Minister of Health has no legal authority to grant or extend any moratorium on its enforcement; and that it is unlawful for any federal authority to interfere with NAFDAC’s enforcement responsibilities.
SERAP is also asking the court, in the suit filed on its behalf by Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo (SAN), alongside a team of lawyers from Tayo Oyetibo LP, to affirm that the defendants have a duty to ensure the full implementation of the ban nationwide.
The court is expected to fix a hearing date in a few days time.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), under Governor Charles Soludo, has taken a bold step to address the pressing issue of erosion in the state, while also recovering government lands and awarding strategic projects aimed at boosting the state’s economy and improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Law Mefor, made this known after the 25th ANSEC meeting held recently at the Lighthouse, Awka.
He revealed that the meeting noted with grave concern the existential threat posed by erosion in Anambra, citing the careless actions of communities and regulatory bodies that have disregarded environmental regulations.
“The council has decided to step up enforcement measures to force individuals to build and manage storm waters from their houses and for communities to follow specific guidelines, such as building erosion barriers and excavating sand only in designated locations,” Mr Mefor stated.
He emphasised that the government will not hesitate to take stern action against individuals and communities that fail to comply with environmental regulations.
To address the issue, the government will enforce strict adherence to environmental regulations, mandate the construction of erosion barriers and proper sand excavation practices, and collaborate with relevant agencies to hold those responsible for the erosion menace.
It is also confident that with the support of the people, it will overcome the challenges posed by erosion and achieve its vision of making Anambra State a destination where economic and business activities thrive.
Furthermore, the council has resolved to form a committee to reclaim government lands in and around Anambra State that have been intruded upon and built upon without permission.
“The government will not stand idly by while its lands are being grabbed and misused. We will take all necessary steps to recover these lands and ensure that they are used for the benefit of the people of Anambra State,” Mr Mefor said.
ANSEC has also awarded several strategic projects aimed at enhancing the state’s infrastructure development.
The projects include the provision of a water supply to the Ekwulobia Flyover Bridge Fountain and the ornamental garden for Double NC Construction & Logistics Ltd; the installation of a 3-way traffic light, including pedestrian lights, at the Ifite-Amenyi intersection within the Awka metropolis to S.N.U. Ventures, and the supply and installation of two 10 kVA inverters with 15 kW lithium batteries at the Anambra State Civil Service Commission Building in Awka to Kennolly Enterprises.
Others include the supply and installation of transformer substations at Nnewi and Umueze-Anam communities for Aries and Gold Ventures Limited, and Aljovic Construction Limited; and the landscaping of the car park for the Trauma Centre at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, for Triseconds Resources Limited.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The free delivery of premium motor spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol, across the country by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will finally begin in January 2026. This was earlier scheduled for August 2025
This move, according to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), will bring down the price of the product in Nigeria.
The group has, therefore, urged all its members nationwide to patronise the Lagos-based private oil facility because it offers the best affordable price for all marketers.
Dangote Refinery has agreed to directly supply PMS to registered members of IPMAN, according to a statement signed and issued by the organisation’s president, Mr Abubakar Maigandi Shettima.
At a press conference held in Abuja yesterday on recent happenings in the oil and gas sector, IPMAN also applauded the support of the Chairman of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Mr Aliko Dangote towards the federal government, which it noted has become evident in the regular reduction of the petroleum pump price.
“The association has the highest percentage of the supply chain of the PMS downstream sector, controlling over 80 per cent of the petrol retail market. We therefore declare that there will be no gap or scarcity in PMS supply to Nigerians.
“We are also excited at the recent agreement by the Dangote Refinery to begin the supply of PMS products directly to registered IPMAN members, and its free delivery to our filling stations anywhere and everywhere in Nigeria which will commence in January 2026.
“This will again, certainly lead to further decrease in the pump price of the products at our filing stations.
“Therefore, I am calling on all IPMAN members nationwide to prioritise patronising the Dangote Refinery in their purchase of PMS products, as they already offer the best affordable prize for all marketers today,” the group stated.
“At IPMAN we have no doubt as to the viability of the oil and gas policies being initiated by the federal government, and we have ceaselessly called and sought for enhanced cooperation across all levels of governance in the oil and gas sector. Hence, our repeated persuasion to always partner the Dangote refinery, to ensure the steady availability of PMS products.
“The focus of the Dangote & IPMAN partnership, has always been geared towards making life better for Nigerians. And of course, this blooming partnership would never have been possible without the pragmatic leadership of President Bola Tinubu, and his sound judgment in readjusting the leadership of the NMDPRA and the NUPRC.
“Our position has always been to deepen domestic refining in order to eradicate imports of petroleum products. Continuous import is NOT an acceptable parallel business model, because issuing import licenses recklessly distorts market dynamics, drains foreign exchange, enthrones poverty, destroys jobs, and scares potential investors away,” Mr Shettima was quoted as saying in the statement.
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