Amid the ongoing price dispute between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery, the Presidency has explained why government agencies cannot intervene, highlighting that both companies are privately owned.

In a statement released on Friday by Nnaamaka Okafor, media aide to the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Presidency reaffirmed the minister’s position on the pricing disagreement between NNPCL and Dangote Refinery.

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Earlier this month, after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima, Lokpobiri noted that petrol prices might vary across different regions, but with increased product availability, prices would eventually stabilize.

He also reiterated that the sector is deregulated, meaning the government does not control fuel prices.

The minister had said, “What is important is that the government is not fixing prices. This sector is deregulated. And we believe that with the availability of products, the price will find its level. And this is important for Nigerians to know.

“There is enough product in the country to be able to meet the demands of Nigerians, there should be no panic buying. And we also believe that Nigerians need to know that the government is not fixing prices. That is what I want to convey to Nigerians.”

Okafor highlighted that during a press briefing, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reinforced Senator Lokpobiri’s earlier comments regarding the independence of both the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery in a deregulated market.

Onanuga emphasized that under the Petroleum Industry Act, NNPCL operates independently, despite being government-owned.

He explained, “The PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) sector has been deregulated. Dangote is a private company, and NNPCL is a limited liability company. Any pricing issues between them are their own concern.”

He further elaborated that, according to the Act, while NNPCL is owned by federal, state, and local governments, it functions autonomously.

He pointed out that if consumers find NNPC or Dangote’s prices too high, they may import fuel, with market forces determining the most competitive pricing. “If a price war begins, it’s the consumer who stands to benefit,” Onanuga stated.

Onanuga also clarified that the government will not interfere in the pricing dispute but will focus on promoting alternative energy solutions, such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which provides a more affordable option for consumers.

The government plans to subsidize the conversion of vehicles to CNG, with CNG priced around N230 per litre equivalent, compared to PMS at approximately N850 per litre.

In a tragic turn of events, the death has been announced of Patience Umo Eno, wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

The sad news was made public by the Commissioner for Information, Akwa Ibom State, Ini Ememobong, in a statement on Friday.

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Ememobong revealed that the First Lady died at a hospital on September 26, 2024, surrounded by family members

The statement titled “Unexpected Sunset” read, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness.

“She passed away peacefully at the hospital on 26th September 2024, in the presence of her family.

“The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time.

“Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

“His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.”

The Osun State Government has raised concerns about the operations of the Segilola Gold Project, managed by subsidiaries of Thor Explorations Ltd, a UK-based company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

According to Prof. Lukman Jimoda, the Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Mining and Mineral Resources, the state’s investigation revealed various unethical business practices, including alleged tax evasion, use of proxies, and failure to comply with environmental rules and regulations.

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The companies involved — such as SINIC Engineering, ATF Consulting, Monurent Nigeria, and others — are reportedly engaged in outsourcing employment and operations to undisclosed third parties without proper documentation or environmental compliance.

Prof. Jimoda highlighted that the federal constitution places environmental oversight under the concurrent list, allowing the state to assess companies’ operations for economic and environmental impacts.

He emphasized that the Segilola project, despite its significant production since 2019, has resisted complying with extant laws like the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) and the Company Income Tax Act (CITA) which govern tax levies.

He also expressed concerns over pollution, including particulate emissions and possible acid drains from waste rocks, which pose serious environmental risks to the state.

The state government is therefore demanding the payment of accrued taxes and environmental development levies, as well as proper documentation for all involved parties.

The Special Adviser stressed that Osun has not received its due revenue from the Segilola project for over three years, despite its bankable gold production since 2019.

“The government is prepared to take necessary actions to ensure compliance and safeguard the state’s environmental and economic interests”, the Special Adviser noted.

Also speaking, the Financial Consultant to the Office of Mining and Mineral Resources, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro while presenting his report said the allegations against Thor Explorations Ltd and its subsidiaries mark a significant moment for Osun State, as the government seeks to reclaim its financial rights and ensure compliance with tax regulations.

Dr Bolorunduro highlighted the state’s concern over the company’s alleged tax evasion and failure to comply with legal requirements, which could have severe financial implications for Osun.

Dr. Bolorunduro’s detailed statement paints a picture of a company attempting to sidestep its fiscal responsibilities, with far-reaching consequences for the state’s revenue.

“The refusal to remit taxes from both direct employees and service providers, as well as the evasion of other financial obligations, highlights a deeper issue of corporate governance and transparency.

Particularly troubling is the claim that Osun State’s interests in Tropical Mines Ltd were strategically diminished without due financial compensation, raising questions about the fairness of the company’s practices in Nigeria versus its compliance with international standards in the UK and Canada, where it is publicly listed,” Dr. Bolorunduro stated.

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration has emphasized the need for due payments to be made, while also ensuring that business operations continue smoothly. This balanced approach underscores the state’s willingness to foster investment, but not at the expense of its fiscal health or integrity.

Responding to the allegations that the Adeleke Dynasty is involved in the management of the Segilola Gold Project, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi denied the report, noting that those holding a stake or the other in the gold firm areas shortchanged the Osun State government.

He therefore assured members of the public that the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke will not relent in efforts to ensure that the state gets its dues from all companies operating in Osun State.