General
Lagos Allots N2.7b to Build 5 Elderly Care Centres
By Dipo Olowookere
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has disclosed that a total sum of N2.698 billion has been earmarked in the 2017 budget for the construction of Elderly Care Centres across the five administrative divisions of Lagos.
This, Mr Ambode explained, is in line with his administration’s commitment to the welfare of retired civil servants/pensioners from the State Public Service,
The Governor noted that the Elderly Care Centres, which will be constructed at Ikorodu, Badagry, Epe, Alimosho and Lagos Island, was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the senior citizens in appreciation of their contributions to the development of the State and the Nation while in active service.
Mr Ambode stated this at the year 2016 Lagos State Senior Citizens/Pensioners Day celebration, organised by the State Ministry of Establishment, Training and Pensions at the Vantage Point Event Centre, Acme Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, saying the gesture was to reassure them that their relevance in the society did not end on the day of their retirement from public service.
Speaking through his Deputy, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, the Governor noted that his administration has shown genuine commitment to the workers’ welfare including retirees right from the inception through regular payment of salaries of those in active service and prompt payment of retirees’ benefits especially those that have accrued over the years.
He informed the Retirees/Senior Citizens that his administration had earlier paid a total sum of N21.929 billion as accrued pension rights to 5,027 retirees, while another N1.5 billion intervention fund was also approved for the payment of the outstanding gratuities and accrued pensions to Local Government retirees and the balance of 142% pension arrears.
While describing the theme of the year 2016 celebration: ‘Take a Stand Against Ageism’ as instructive and appropriate, the Governor deplored the increasing discrimination and prejudicial attitudes towards older old age and aging process in the society.
Earlier, Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr Akintola Benson Oke said the celebration of Senior Citizens/ Pensioners was in recognition of their various contributions to the socio-economic development of the State while in service.
He emphasised that the celebration was also a further confirmation of the sincerity of the present administration to run an all-inclusive government where everyone is a major beneficiary of the allocation of State resources.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees/ Senior Citizens, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Mojeed Adebayo Ibrahim noted that the celebration of Pensioners day by the State government provided an avenue for all retirees and pensioners from the State public service to come together and share ideas on how to make life more bearable for themselves.
Comrade Ibrahim commended the present administration for prompt payment of pensions and gratuities to its retirees in spite of the current economic recession in the country, stressing that the governor has demonstrated quality leadership by paying all outstanding pensions and gratuities he inherited from previous administrations in the State.
While reassuring his members support and readiness to offer useful advice that could help government to achieve its goals, he pleaded with the State government to address some of the problems confronting the pensioners including payment of the remaining gratuities of all affected pensioners, especially Local Governments, Primary School Teachers and Parastatals, harmonization of all pensioners in the State owing to the current economic recession in the country, and provision of a befitting secretariat for the pensioners in the state.
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.
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.
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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