Economy
Gridlocks dot Ibadan as fuel scarcity worsens
Motorists and commuters in Ibadan are having a hard time as gridlocks caused by fuel queues hinder free vehicular movement in the Oyo State capital.
Speaking with the newsmen on Tuesday, Mr Sanni Olatunde, an employee of a private company, said no-one had been able to explain the cause of the fuel scarcity.
He said the situation had been a source of concern as every aspect of work life had been affected.
“Fuel stations sell at different prices per litre of petrol and there is no regulator to enforce the official rate of N165 per litre.
“We are fed up because we have to queue for a long time to get petrol,’’ Olatunde said.
Miss Opeyemi Oyewole, a doctoral student at the University of Ibadan said the scarcity had affected fares and further worsened the already bad economic situation of individuals.
“The amount of money I spend on transportation has increased by 50 per cent.
“It is also difficult to get commercial vehicles to one’s destination as most of them are either stuck in fuel stations or looking for fuel elsewhere.
“We hope a lasting solution will be found soon as the Yuletide period approaches,’’ Oyewole said.
Also speaking with newsmen, Mr Sola Famakinwa, another resident said he struggled to get fuel so as to be able to take his children to school as they had started sitting for examinations.
He said the situation was getting worse by the day and wondered why government was not saying anything.
Mr Chris Mimiola, a civil servant said he had been at a fuel station for upwards of four hours without hope of getting fuel.
“We just hope for a respite soon. Let the government come clean and make life comfortable for citizens.
“There is no electricity. Petrol that people use to power their generators is also getting out of the reach.
“We need speedy response from government,’’ Mimiola said.
Most fuel stations in Ibadan sell a litre of petrol at between N180 and N250
By Omobolaji Adekunle
The Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has announced that it generated N12.8 billion in revenue for the first half of 2024, representing a 51% increase from the same period last year.
Comptroller Olusola made this statement during a press briefing held at Abeokuta Ogun state capital
According to Comptroller Olusola Bisi Alade, Customs Area Controller of the command revenue was generated through the diligent efforts of the officers and men of the command, who worked tirelessly to ensure that the revenue targets given to the command were met and exceeded.
The command’s revenue collection improved significantly in the last three months, with N3.48 billion generated in April, N2.8 billion in May, and N3.66 billion in June.
The command’s success was attributed to the discovery of 11 factories and one bonded terminal, which were previously unknown to the service.
The factories, which are now under different stages of registration, include Sygen Pharmaceutical Limited, Sprout and Kingsberg Nigeria Limited, and Adesouthern Nigeria Limited, Abraham and Sarah among others.
Comptroller Alade commended the dedication of his officers and men and the cooperation of other units, especially the Customs Intelligence Unit and Customs Police Unit, for their prompt actions, which contributed to the success of the command.
The achievement is in line with the policy drive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who is operating under the principle of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.
The command urged factories and traders to continue to pay their appropriate excise duty and other charges promptly and assured them of its commitment to fulfilling its mandate under the Nigerian Customs Service Act.
By Sodiq Adelakun
Inflation in Nigeria continued to rise for the twelfth consecutive month in December, with the headline inflation rate reaching 28.92%, up from 28.20% in November.
The National Bureau of Statistics released its consumer price index report on Monday, revealing the ongoing impact of inflation on the country’s economy.
More details to come…
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has announced the first reading of a bill aimed at regulating private schools and tertiary institutions in the state.
The bill, titled “A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Establishment and Operation of Private Nursery, Primary, Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions in Nasarawa State and Other Matters Connected Therewith,” was introduced during the House proceedings on Monday in Lafia.
In addition to this bill, the House also passed two executive bills that focus on promoting education and skills training in the state.
The bills, if passed into law, are expected to enhance the quality of education and boost skills training across Nasarawa State.
Three bills have successfully passed their first reading in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
The first bill, titled “A Bill For a Law to Establish the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute, Lafia, and other Matters Connected Therewith,” aims to establish a vocati onal and technology institute in Lafia, the state capital. This institute will provide valuable skills training and education to the youth of the region.
The second bill, named “A Bill for A Law to Amend College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State Law 2020, and Matters Connected Thereof,” seeks to amend the existing law governing the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology in Lafia.
The proposed amendments aim to enhance the college’s operations and ensure it remains at the forefront of agricultural and technological advancements.Lastly, the third bill, titled “the Bill for a Law to Regulate the Establishment and Operation of Private Nursery, Primary, Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions in Nasarawa State and Other Matters Connected Therewith,” focuses on regulating the establishment and operation of private educational institutions in the state.
This bill aims to ensure that these institutions meet certain standards of quality and provide a conducive learning environment for students.
“The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, announced that the second reading of the bill for the establishment of the Wing Commander Abdullahi Ibrahim Vocational and Technology Institute, Lafia, and other related matters will take place on October 2.
The second reading of the bill to amend the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State Law 2020, and matters connected thereof, will be scheduled for October 3.
These bills demonstrate the commitment of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly to improving the educational sector and providing opportunities for skills development in the state.
“I will slate Oct. 3, for the second reading of A Bill for A Law to Amend College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State Law 2020, and Matters Connected Thereof.
“I will also slate Oct. 4 for the second reading of A Bill for a Law to Regulate the Establishment and Operation of Private Nursery, Primary, Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions in Nasarawa State and Other Matters Connected Therewith,” he said.
Earlier, Alhaji Mohammed Omadefu, the Majority Leader of the House, moved motions for the bills to scale first readings.
The Minority Leader of the House, Mr Luka Zhekaba, seconded the motion.
The House unanimously passed the bills into first readings.
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