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House of Reps To Probe Challenges Faced By Nigerian Pilgrims In 2023 Hajj

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The House of Representatives has made a decision to investigate the circumstances that led to the difficulties faced by Nigerian pilgrims during this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

 

The resolution was reached after Hon Ahmed Idris presented a motion during Thursday’s plenary session.

 

The lawmaker mentioned that more than 95,000 Nigerians took part in the religious pilgrimage this year.

 

He also highlighted that Nigeria was allocated approximately 95,000 slots for the Hajj, which were managed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

 

During his motion, the lawmaker expressed concern over the significant turnout for the 2023 Hajj, which was reported to be one of the highest in history with global media estimating over 2.5 million pilgrims in attendance.

 

He expressed disappointment over the poor service provided by certain airline operators, including Arik Air, which failed to transport pilgrims on time due to insufficient aircraft.

 

Additionally, the lawmaker listed several other challenges faced by Nigerian pilgrims, such as inadequate tent accommodation in Mina and Arafat, the provision of substandard tents with unsatisfactory living conditions and environment, insufficient medical attention for emergencies, and inadequate transportation, among other issues.

 

He further asserted that Nigerians experienced missed flights due to strict bottlenecks, including the withholding of their international passports and the inability to secure airport slots for Nigerian airline operators to transport Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia back to Nigeria, among other factors.

 

The lawmaker emphasized that a significant number of Nigerian pilgrims, around 25,000 individuals, including those who had paid for Tent A VIP Class, found themselves stranded in Mina due to insufficient tents and oversubscription.

 

As a result, Nigerian pilgrims resorted to sleeping on roads, under bridges, and in nearby mosques as alternative accommodations.

 

Furthermore, the lawmaker highlighted cases involving various public officials, including present and former Governors, lawmakers, and others who were unable to secure tents and were forced to sleep in poor hygienic conditions and inappropriate places.

 

The lawmaker highlighted that VIP pilgrims were required to pay a significant amount of approximately $5,000 or 18,000 riyals for VIP tents. Despite paying such exorbitant fees, these pilgrims found themselves stranded, while others were allocated tents of lesser value than what they had paid for.

 

The House, therefore mandated “The Committee on Pilgrims Affairs (when constituted) to conduct a detailed investigation into the several anomalies that emanated from the 2023 Hajj and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.”

 

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Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.

Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.

The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.

In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.

Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.

According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.

They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.

PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.

The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.

PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.

PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.

The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.

To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.

PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.

 

 

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Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

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Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.

“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.

The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.

“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.

Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.

“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”

With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.

He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.

The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.

In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”

 

 

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#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

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In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.

A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.

Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.

The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.

 

 

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