NEWS
Hundeyin Punctures Dangote’s Local Refinery Claims
Investigative journalist, David Hundeyin has lamented strategic efforts to con the public by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, using the ploy of a Nigerian based refinery.
He took to his verified X handle on Friday to list what he considered the several steps taken by Dangote and his communications masterminds to ensure that the so-called refinery remained, “a conduit for money laundering and illicit financial engineering”.
Hundeyin pointed out that it was easier to showcase loading of refined products into tanks, instead of discharging of crude oil, reasoning that crude has no expiry date, though it be loaded into farm tanks for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.
The multiple award-winning journalist pointed out that the crude oil so loaded into Dangote’s farm tanks could easily be resold without the public being in the know.
What triggers more curiosity is that the Dangote Group’s Corporate Communications Department in a statement on Friday confirmed the initial supply of crude but warned that impact on pump prices might not happen pretty soon.
Recall that it was explicit that petrol would be the last on the line of refined products from the factory.
It stated, “This supply will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).”
The Dangote Refinery’s and Hundeyin’s postulations were somehow corroborated by the submission of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari to the Senate on Friday that the essence local refineries coming on stream was not to reduce pump prices.
Hundeyin wrote, “I own a “refinery” that is nowhere near complete and has functioned through its entire project lifespan to date as a conduit for money laundering and illicit financial engineering.
“I have shifted the target opening date of this “refinery” at least 6 times since 2013…
“Finally, people start getting wise to my sponsored fairy-tales in the newspapers, and my trusty old scam is about to lose its efficacy, so I need to up the ante.
“Of course, I have no … intention of refining …. If I had any such intention, I could have simply bought one of Nigeria’s 4 existing refineries and been operational a decade ago. Plus, refining crude oil is an actual business with razor-thin margins and global regulations up to the neck.
“So to keep my narrative going, I pay for a video release and a press release to be serialised ….
“None of those will remember that:
“A) Crude oil has no expiry date and can sit in my tank farm indefinitely, so merely discharging this thing that has sat underground for thousands of years into a tank where it might sit for another 5 years is not hard for me.
“B) I own a private port and jetty at my “refinery” complex. I can take delivery of crude oil from NNPC today and snap all the pictures for media stunts with it, then I can quietly sell it next week to Trafigura or any number of oil trading companies active in Nigeria. Who’s gonna know?
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
READ MORE: NDLEA Nabs Businessman For Using Ingestion To Smuggle Cocaine
“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
NEWS
I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
READ ALSO: National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
READ MORE: PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result
Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.