The Nigerian federal government has officially designated Dangote Refinery as the sole provider of Jet A1 fuel to aircraft operators across the country. This announcement was made by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, during an interview broadcast on Channels TV on October 8. Keyamo revealed that airline operators had recently convened and agreed, with his endorsement, to source all their jet fuel exclusively from the Dangote refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. “This decision stems from a recent meeting of the airline operators in Nigeria, where they collectively resolved to purchase Jet A1 fuel solely from Dangote Refinery, with my approval,” Keyamo stated. He noted that the federal government had also initiated a naira-for-crude agreement with Dangote, emphasizing that all transactions would now be conducted in Naira, eliminating any dollar components. “This arrangement is timely as we have just implemented the naira-for-crude purchase. It will significantly reduce the pressure on foreign currency reserves,” he added. Keyamo assured that this local currency transaction would stabilize fuel prices, shielding them from the fluctuations associated with the international market and the unpredictable oil price dynamics. “The pricing will be more predictable since it will no longer be influenced by international market factors. We anticipate that this will provide us with more affordable access to Jet A1 fuel,” he concluded.

Following a period of unrest, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has warned that his administration will not tolerate political thuggery and acts of violence that threaten the state’s stability, particularly in light of recent attacks that led to the burning of several local government secretariats. Governor Fubara, speaking during the swearing-in of four new commissioners at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, expressed his administration’s determination to work with the Nigerian Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the attacks in Ikwerre, Emohua, and Eleme Local Government Areas. The new commissioners sworn into the Rivers State Executive Council are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba. Fubara recalled that during the swearing-in of newly elected Local Government Council chairmen on October 6, 2024, he had warned of potential violence from disgruntled individuals. His fears were realized when political thugs burned down council buildings in multiple areas. “I had foreseen this unrest. Some individuals, unhappy with the election outcome, are going to great lengths to disrupt peace in Rivers State,” Fubara said. He vowed that the perpetrators would not go unpunished, urging the people of Rivers to remain calm while the government investigates. Governor Fubara acknowledged the frustration of Rivers residents but commended them for their restraint in the face of violence. He reiterated his commitment to peaceful leadership and discouraged retaliation against the attackers. “We are carrying a basket of precious eggs, and we must handle it with care and wisdom,” Fubara said, urging the people to prioritize peace over conflict. He emphasized that engaging in violence would only lead to further losses for the state. Fubara also addressed the ongoing issue of oil theft, warning that unchecked theft and pipeline vandalism could severely impact Nigeria’s economy. He called for collective action to increase oil production, noting that revenue from oil was already insufficient to meet the country’s needs. “Our focus must remain on curbing oil theft and ensuring pipeline security. Only then will revenues increase, allowing us to fund critical development projects for Rivers State,” the governor stated. Despite the political turmoil, Governor Fubara assured residents that his administration was making significant progress on various projects and services that would soon be showcased. He hinted that by the end of October 2024, a series of impactful projects would be unveiled to the public. Congratulating the newly appointed commissioners, Fubara stressed the need for dedication, loyalty, and diligence in their new roles. He expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to the administration’s success and help implement government policies for the betterment of Rivers State.

The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, fixed Oct. 22 for the hearing of a suit filed by at least 16 state governments challenging the constitutionality of the laws establishing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and two others. A seven-member panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, fixed the date after the states were joined as co-plaintiffs and leave granted for consolidation of the case in the suit originally filed by the Kogi Government through its Attorney General (AG). Read Also: ‘Temper justice with mercy,’ Speed Darlington’s mother begs Burna Boy to release her son The states that joined in the suit marked: SC/CV/178/2023 include Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nassarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross-River and Niger. The 16 states said they are relying on the fact that the constitution is the supreme law and any law that is inconsistent with it is a nullity. The plaintiffs argued that the Supreme Court, in Dr Joseph Nwobike Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria, had held that it was a UN Convention against corruption that was reduced into the EFCC Establishment Act and that in enacting this law in 2004, the provision of Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, was not followed. They argued that, in bringing a convention into Nigerian law, the provision of Section 12 must be complied with. According to them, the provision of the Constitution necessitated the majority of the states’ Houses of Assembly agreeing to bring the convention in before passing the EFCC Act and others, which was allegedly never done. The argument of the states in their present suit, which they said had been corroborated by the Supreme Court in the previous case mentioned, is that the law, as enacted, could not be applied to states that never approved of it, in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian constitution. Hence, they argued that any institution so formed should be regarded as an illegal institution. When the case was called on Tuesday, lawyers, who represented the states, made their submissions. While the majority sought to be joined as co-plaintiffs, two of the states prayed for an order for consolidation of the case. Kogi AG’s counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, SAN, informed the court that there were states that indicated interest in consolidation of the case and those seeking to be joined as co-plaintiffs. “It is for this honourable court to tell us how to proceed my lord. “Out of about 15 states, there are about 13 of them that have indicated interest to be co-plaintiffs and only two want consolidation. “To make the task of the court easier, those who want to be joined as co-plaintiff should be joined and abide by the processes already filed and those who sought consolidation should be asked to file within seven days,” Mohammed said. After the lawyers’ submissions, Justice Abba-Aji granted their prayers.She adjourned the matter until Oct. 22 for a hearing. The Kogi State AG had, in the suit number: SC/CV/178/2023 sued the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as sole defendant. In the originating summons filed by a team of lawyers led by Prof .Musa Yakubu, SAN, the state raised six questions for determination and sought nine reliefs. The Kogi government sought a declaration that the federal government through the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) lacked the power to issue any directive, guideline, advisory or any instrument however called for the administration and management of funds belonging to the state. The government also sought a declaration that the EFCC, the NFIU or any agency of the federal government cannot investigate, requisition documents, invite and or arrest anyone concerning offences arising from or touching on the administration and management of funds belonging to the state.

The State House management on Tuesday disclosed that its overhead expenditure amounted to N22.62bn, spread across seven cost centres. These include the State House Headquarters, State House Operations (President), State House Operations (Vice President), Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Security Officer to the President, State House Medical Centre, and Lagos Liaison Office. The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Olufunso Adebiyi, revealed this during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Special Duties to the data centre located in the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Abiodun Oladunjoye, announced this in a statement issued on Tuesday titled ‘State House to Achieve Full Digitisation by November 2024, Says Permanent Secretary, as Reps Tour Data Centre.’ During his presentation on the 2023/2024 budget implementation, the Permanent Secretary highlighted that the State House had achieved 43 per cent implementation of capital projects for 2024 and an impressive 99 per cent implementation in overhead expenditure. “Out of this appropriated amount, so far, as of 31 August 2024, a total sum of N15.08bn has been released to us; and of the said released amount, a total of N14.9bn has so far been expended during the fiscal year, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5bn. This represents an encouraging performance of 99 per cent,” he said. On capital expenditure, Adebiyi noted that N51.3bn was appropriated for 2024, with N22bn spent, leaving a balance of N29.3bn, representing 43 per cent implementation. The Permanent Secretary commended the Committee members for approving an increased budget allocation to the State House in the 2024 appropriation, particularly given the considerable demand from various cost centres during the challenging fiscal year. “This has gone a long way in enhancing our performance as an important arm of government, especially with regards to the welfare of staff and various capital projects, such as the renovation of the residential quarters of the President, Aguda House, computerisation and digitalisation of the State House, construction of an office complex, replacement of operational vehicles, and others,” he said. The chief accounting officer further presented the 2023 budget and supplementary budget performances.He disclosed that N1.65bn was approved for personnel costs in 2023, of which N1.65bn was spent, leaving a balance of N439,433.66. For overhead expenditure in 2023, N8.29bn was appropriated, and N8.27bn was expended, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5m, marking a 99.82 per cent budget implementation. Regarding total capital expenditure for 2023, the Permanent Secretary said N11.2bn was approved, with N10.9bn spent, representing an overall performance of 98 per cent.Adebiyi also mentioned that the State House is set to achieve full digitisation of its operations by November 2024. According to him, the completion of the computerisation and digitisation process would enhance efficiency, security, and the seamless operation of critical administrative functions at the State House. The visit, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Kabir Tukura, was part of the legislators’ statutory oversight to assess the performance of the 2023 and 2024 budgets of the State House. Adebiyi also briefed the lawmakers on the ongoing renovations at Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the former seat of government. He noted that the renovations are expected to be completed before the end of the year. Adebiyi invited the legislators for an on-the-spot assessment of the barracks, with funds for the project and others at the Lagos Liaison Office sourced from the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget respectively. In his remarks, Tukura expressed satisfaction with the ongoing digital transformation and commended the State House for its commitment to budgetary discipline and modernising government services. “The 2024 budget is still ongoing, and I would say, so far, so good. The releases have been made and utilised by almost 98 per cent, and that is quite commendable. “There are no gaps. The 2023 budget has been completed. Members have asked questions, and we have heard the responses from the Permanent Secretary. We are convinced they are doing well,” he said.

The Nigerian Communications Commission has withdrawn its recently issued press statement regarding the operations of Starlink, a satellite internet service provider. In a brief message addressed to media outlets on Tuesday, the NCC acknowledged that the statement was released in error, urging editors and journalists to retract any related publications. “Kindly note that this press statement on Starlink was issued in error. It is hereby WITHDRAWN. If already published, kindly BRING DOWN,” the message, signed by the NCC’s Manager of Media Relations, Kunle Azeez, stated. The commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, had announced plans to take enforcement measures against Starlink, for raising its subscription prices in Nigeria without the regulator’s approval. In a message sent to its customers last week, Starlink said the price hike would affect both existing and new customers. The monthly subscription fee was increased by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000. Additionally, new users will face a higher cost for the Starlink kit (the hardware needed for installation), which is now priced at N590,000, up 34% from the previous price of N440,000. However, the NCC stated that it had not approved the price increase. “The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Muoka said. He explained that the commission was “surprised” when the company announced the price changes, despite having filed a request with the NCC for a price adjustment, which the regulator had yet to approve.

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has threatened to seal any shop or plaza closed on Mondays in compliance with the sit-at-home order initially declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra. Soludo issued the warning during an inspection tour of the Main Market in Onitsha on Monday, where he expressed his displeasure over the large number of locked shops and plazas. The governor visited the market, known as the largest in West Africa, to observe the level of commercial activity amid the lingering sit-at-home order. Since IPOB declared the sit-at-home in 2021 to protest the extraordinary rendition of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, the exercise has continued to disrupt business activities in the South East, despite IPOB’s official suspension of the order. Fear of violent enforcement has caused markets, schools, banks, and other businesses to remain closed every Monday. Soludo, who inspected the market, warned that any trader or business that refuses to open on Mondays would face severe penalties, including the sealing of shops for up to one month. He stressed that the persistent closure of businesses on Mondays would damage the local economy, as customers might start going to other regions to purchase goods. He said, “I am here to ensure that your shops are open.From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be open for business,” the governor declared. “If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, for up to one month. When you are ready to open, it must be from Monday through Saturday.” Soludo assured the traders that adequate security measures would be in place to protect them, urging them to resume full commercial activities on Mondays.