General
NDVC Decries Disenfranchisement of Nigerians Abroad, Lauds Akande-Sadipe, Others’ Patriotism
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A group known as the Nigeria Diaspora Voting Council (NDVC) has kicked against the decision of the National Assembly not to allow Nigerians living abroad to have the right to vote for candidates seeking public office in the country.
At the recent constitutional amendment review, the lawmakers rejected the clause to allow for diaspora voting as 29 lawmakers at the Senate agreed as 62 against it, while at the House of Representatives, 58 voted Yes and 240 voted No, signifying that the country was not yet ripe for such.
This action did not go down well with NDVC, which described this as the disenfranchisement of Nigerians in the diaspora.
In a statement signed by its secretary, Mr Tolu Oluwatuyi, the group expressed regrets that the Diaspora Voting Bill was voted down by Nigeria’s upper and lower legislative houses on March 1, 2022.
“I am sorry to inform fellow Nigerians in the Diaspora that the Nigeria Diaspora Voting Bill was voted down by Nigeria’s upper and lower legislative houses on March 1st, 2022 at the Constitutional Amendment Review Session (third reading) that held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, Nigeria.
“A Bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to Provide for Diaspora Voting; and for Related Matters
“This is a setback given the quantum of work and resources expended to date by the Council and several Diaspora groups. A setback often moves us to a road that is even worse but leads to an even better destination. According to Winston Churchill, Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm,” a part of the statement read.
However, the council reassured Diasporans that NDVC was more determined to succeed than give up the advocacy for Diaspora Voting (DV) in Nigeria.
“NDVC will not relent in its efforts at spreading the gospel of its advocacy until the goal is achieved. Going forward, NDVC will release a timeline of activities in due course.
“Given the renewed determination, the board of NDVC has decided to double-up on its efforts, bring onboard more recognised and influential Diaspora groups that will add value to the advocacy including State Diaspora Focal point officers, widen and intensify the scope of diplomacy, review the provisions of the existing Diaspora Voting Bill with the assistance of NIDCOM, INEC and NASS and re-strategise going forward,” it added.
Meanwhile, the group commended the Chairman, House of Reps Committee on Diaspora, Mrs Tolulope Akande-Sadipe and her team for her patriotism, dedication and commitment to the DV advocacy.
“If there is anyone that deserves all the accolades, it is no other person than the National Assembly Sponsor of the Nigeria Diaspora Voting Bill, Mrs Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, House Committee Chairperson on Diaspora and Electoral Matters.
“Mrs Akande-Sadipe worked relentlessly with her ever untiring team led by Mrs Omoshalewa to ensure that the DV Bill saw the light of the day.
“NDVC cannot thank her enough for the many travels she embarked on during the zonal public hearings, risking her life, just in a bid to ensure that the Diaspora Voting Bill was a success,” the organisation said.
NDVC also appreciated various major stakeholders who have equally been in the constant advocacy for the materialisation of the DV Bill, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM); the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the chairmanship of Prof Mahmood Yakubu, for the technical know-how support and willingness to help thus far; the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) and other Diaspora groups and persons for their unflinching support and commitment.
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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