General
LCCI Urges Tinubu On Positive National Orientation Amid Economic Crisis
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has advised that Nigeria needs a positive national orientation to navigate the current economic crisis facing the country.
According to a statement, the President of the chamber, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, made this known in his address on the state of the economy in Lagos yesterday.
He noted that Nigeria’s economy was at a crossroads and needed better direction and clarity.
He then urged the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to come out plain to Nigerians and businesses on the direction of its policies and what near-term achievements are possible.
According to Mr Idahosa, this will build some level of certainty to support business planning and decision-making forward in the country.
“At a crossroads with policy choices, Nigeria needs a positive national orientation to navigate the stormy waters we find ourselves in today.
“We therefore recommend that the government come plain to Nigerians and businesses on the direction of their policies and what near-term achievements are possible.
“This will build some level of certainty to support business planning and decisions,” he said.
Speaking on the state of the country’s manufacturing sector, the LCCI president explained that the manufacturing sector remained weak as growth slowed to 1.28 per cent in the second quarter from 1.49 per cent in the first quarter to 2.20 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
“Recent manufacturing indicators reflect a burdened production sector bedevilled with the high cost of production driven by high interest rates, a weak currency, weak consumer demand as inflation erodes consumers’ purchasing power, and costly logistics due to high energy costs.”
According to him, “In most of our recent statements to the media, we have consistently recommended the need for fiscal stimulus and non-cash interventions to cushion the burdens unleashed through the tight monetary stance of the government in the past 18 months.
“In the situation we find ourselves in, we urge the government to stay focused and more vigorous regarding the ongoing interventions like removing some taxes, the transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mobility, the Crude for Naira scheme, and the suspension of some import duties.
“The CNG mobility initiative must be supported with CNG refuelling stations nationwide and credit facilities to support quick conversion and usage.”
“Removing VAT on diesel and cooking gas is a bold step towards reducing the cost of living for Nigerians, but it is only the beginning.
“As we look to the future, the transition to Compressed Natural Gas mobility offers an opportunity to make energy more affordable, reduce emissions, and create jobs,” he added.
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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