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Energy Analyst, Adeoye Highlights Complexities Of Nigeria’s Petrol Pricing Amid Dangote Refinery Launch
Energy policy analyst, Adeyemi Adeoye has highlighted the complexities of Nigeria’s petrol pricing following the launch of the Dangote Refinery, stressing the importance of informed dialogue and the critical role of negotiations between private refineries and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd).
He shared his views during an appearance on TVC News on Friday, which was monitored by our correspondent.
Adeoye emphasized that the emotional responses to petrol pricing have diminished since the refinery’s inauguration. “When we take sentiment out of the conversation, then the real talk can begin,” he remarked, advocating for a more rational dialogue about the oil industry.
He clarified that the NNPC Ltd was not serving as a regulator in the current deregulated environment, a point, which he contends remains misunderstood by many.
He explained, “The sentiment and undue emotions surrounding this conversation since the advent of the Dangote Refinery are subsiding. When we take the sentiment out of the conversation, then the real discussion can begin.
“The oil industry has an operational manual; there is a way it functions. We all own the NNPC. Ordinarily, if it is representing the interests of Nigeria, in this deregulated system we have seen, especially since the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act) came into effect. The NNPC is not a regulator.
“This is a point many people still do not understand. If it were a regulator, its role would be to come out in the open, maybe via a press conference, and announce the price at which the government would be selling. But, as we’ve seen, it is still the Dangote Refinery that announces the prices, and we also need to take this into consideration.
“What is happening now is a joint venture. The NNPC is familiar with joint ventures. They have joint ventures all over the upstream sector with different international oil companies operating in Nigeria, and this is what has developed between the Dangote Refinery and the NNPC — it’s a joint venture.
“The NNPC supplies Dangote Refinery with crude oil and, in return, gets refined products for Nigerians. Essentially, this is the ongoing relationship, and that is why negotiation was important. If you observe, you will notice that Dangote Refinery has not announced a price.
“Dangote did not announce a price because they need to negotiate properly, and the NNPC is the chief negotiator in this instance because it supplies the crude oil, just as the government supplies crude to Dangote.
“Dangote is also sourcing crude from Brazil and the U.S., but the NNPC is supplying crude, and on the strength of that, it goes into the negotiation.
“The key takeaway for Nigerians is that the NNPC has announced that Dangote Refinery is free to deal with any marketer on a willing buyer, willing seller basis. However, the negotiation did not start at the price announced by NNPC or Dangote. The negotiation started at a higher price, for very obvious reasons.
“In the United States (US), the average price for gas (petrol) is $3.33 per gallon. If you divide a gallon, which is about 4 liters, you get around N5,279. Breaking it down, that’s about N1,119.75 per liter. So, this is the amount Dangote would have sold it for.
“It wouldn’t have been less than N1,300. If Dangote is allowed to operate purely as a business entity, there is nothing wrong with that. But without negotiations, Nigerians could have been paying no less than N1,300 for fuel because it is an international product.
“Nigerians need to understand that to refine crude oil, you first need to produce crude oil, and producing crude oil involves what is called an oil rig.
“The cheapest oil rig you can get costs around $100,000 to $150,000 per day. So, if you have a marginal field and you are paying $150,000 per day for your crude, you will also have to pay for the vessel to transport it to Dangote.
“Dangote is not going to pay you in Naira; it is going to pay you in dollars. These are all factors that affect the pricing. It is not like other commodities; it is an internationally determined commodity, and the pricing is not something easy to determine.
“That’s why Dangote couldn’t come out to announce pricing immediately. It had to first negotiate with its suppliers, which in this case is the NNPC.” he added
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TCN Completes Relocation Of 8 Towers, Ends Power Rationing In Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV transmission line, bringing relief to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This development, completed three days past the scheduled deadline, has also restored full bulk power to the 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, enabling the resumption of normal power distribution in the area.
In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company explained that the relocation became necessary due to the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) road dualization project along the Southern Expressway.
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The relocation work began on January 6, 2025, and involved dismantling and reconstructing the affected towers, as well as restringing power cables to ensure uninterrupted power flow.
To facilitate this, a planned power outage was implemented from January 6 to January 20, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria is pleased to announce the restoration of full bulk power to its 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, effective Thursday, January 23, 2025,” the statement read.
“This restoration follows the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Southern Expressway route), necessitated by the Federal Capital Development Agency’s road dualization project along the Apo axis.”
TCN thanked residents and electricity consumers for their patience during the period of power rationing, noting that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) can now resume normal electricity supply to customers in the affected areas.
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Davido Is Richer Than His Billionaire Father – Ibrahim Chatta Claims
Renowned Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has sparked conversation by claiming that award-winning singer Davido is richer and more influential than his billionaire father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.
Chatta made this statement while addressing the importance of respecting individuals in positions of authority, regardless of their age. He argued that accomplishments, not age, determine who an elder is. Using historical references, Chatta cited Alexander the Great, who achieved incredible feats before his death at 33, as an example of youthful greatness.
“God purposely placed some certain people in some positions, but you guys are looking at their age. It’s not about the age; any younger person that possesses things that belong to elders, is an elder,” Chatta said.
The actor emphasized that Davido’s wealth and influence surpass those of his father, despite Dr. Adeleke’s established status as a billionaire. Chatta highlighted the global recognition and adoration Davido commands, describing the singer as someone who garners immense loyalty and admiration.
“I was just looking at the numbers of people surrounding Davido the day I sat with him, I was just seeing how people were ready to be killed just to get to him. He is an elder. Davido’s father is a billionaire that has been doing big things before the singer’s arrival. His father is rich but not as Davido. If his dad is passing by, you might not recognise him, but if Davido passes here, a stampede will happen.”
Chatta’s remarks have stirred reactions across social media, with many debating whether fame and influence should outweigh wealth in defining success.
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Rita Edochie Praises Donald Trump, Calls Him ‘Angel’
Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has expressed her admiration for Donald Trump, claiming that the entire world wishes for a leader like him.
The actress made this statement while celebrating Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Edochie shared her unwavering support for Trump, despite facing criticism for her stance. She revealed that she is often referred to as “Mama Trump” by detractors but remains unfazed by their remarks.
READ MORE: Trump Dismisses Four Biden-Appointed Officials, Signals More Shake-ups
“January 20, 2025, marks a historic milestone as Trump takes oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. As you begin your new term, I wish you immense wisdom to tackle the challenges facing our nation,” Edochie wrote.
Describing Trump as an angel, she added, “After all, the entire universe wishes they had an Angel like Donald Trump to be their president.”
The actress also expressed her desire to see a leader in Nigeria who embodies Trump’s qualities, stating, “I do wish a man in the likeness of Trump be sworn into the Nigerian Executive Offices one day.”
Edochie’s comments have sparked discussions online, with many applauding her loyalty while others remain critical of her views.