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President Tinubu’s Foreign Trips In One year

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Since being sworn in on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has embarked on at least 19 trips abroad for both official and unofficial purposes.

President Tinubu began his official travels in June, just weeks after taking office. According to him and his team, the trips aimed to enhance Nigeria’s global standing, promote economic growth, and tackle various national challenges.

In this analysis, BIZTELLERS delves into the president’s international journeys during his inaugural year, shedding light on the purpose of each trip and its impact on Nigeria’s pressing issues.

In June, just a few weeks after taking office, President Tinubu embarked on his inaugural international journey to France for the New Global Financial Pact Summit.

During the two-day summit, the President championed his vision for expanding the fiscal realm, advocating for economic justice in Africa amidst the global energy transition, and stressing the imperative of tackling poverty and climate change on a global scale.

Following the summit in France, President Tinubu was scheduled to return to Nigeria.

However, his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake, announced that the President would make a brief private visit to London before returning for the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.

On July 8, President Tinubu embarked on his first official visit within Africa since taking office, traveling to Guinea-Bissau for the 63rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

During the summit, he was elected as the new Chairman of ECOWAS, succeeding President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau.

On July 15, President Tinubu traveled to Kenya in his capacity as Chairperson of ECOWAS to attend the Fifth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting (5thMYCM) of the African Union (AU), the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the Regional Mechanisms (RMs), and the African Union Member States.

The meeting aimed to enhance regional integration within ECOWAS, with a particular focus on initiatives related to trade, the free movement of people, promotion of investment, infrastructure development, as well as fostering peace, security, and stability in the region.

On August 1, President Tinubu undertook a brief journey to the Benin Republic to participate in the country’s 63rd independence anniversary ceremony.

Subsequently, he received a special invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the G-20 Leaders’ Summit. President Tinubu then traveled to New Delhi, India, on September 4 to participate in the summit.

During his visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Tinubu met with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to address the visa ban on Nigeria and discuss bilateral relations.

In September, President Tinubu journeyed to New York, United States of America, to participate in the 78th United Nations General Assembly.

During his address, President Tinubu underscored the significance of prioritizing African development, urging world leaders and global institutions to increase investment in the continent.

On November 9, President Tinubu departed from Abuja for Saudi Arabia to participate in the inaugural Saudi-Africa Summit scheduled for November 10.

The summit’s agenda focused on fostering joint initiatives, improving political coordination, addressing regional security challenges, and promoting economic transformation through research and the domestic development of innovative energy solutions.

President Tinubu embarked on another journey to Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, on November 15, to commemorate the country’s 50th independence anniversary and armed forces day.

Subsequently, on November 18, President Tinubu traveled from Nigeria to Berlin, Germany, to participate in the G20 Compact with Africa (CwA) conference.

At the conference, President Tinubu joined other Heads of State from CwA member countries to discuss ways to enhance economic and business cooperation, with a focus on increasing investments in various sectors such as energy, trade, infrastructure, and new technologies.

President Tinubu departed from Abuja for Dubai on November 28 to attend the COP28 Climate Summit, also known as the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC).

The summit stirred controversy among Nigerians on social media when it was disclosed that over 1,400 Nigerian delegates accompanied the President.

On January 24, President Tinubu resumed his international engagements with a private visit to Paris, France, marking his first trip of the year.

Subsequently, the President embarked on a two-day visit to Qatar on February 29, following an invitation from the Emir of the State of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. President Tinubu returned to Nigeria on March 4, after the visit aimed at bolstering cooperation between Qatar and Nigeria in various domains, including security, cultural exchange, and economic development.

2023 — No. of Days
20 Jun: 🇫🇷France — 7 days
24 Jun: 🇬🇧United Kingdom — 3 days
08 Jul: 🇬🇼Guinea-Bissau — 2 days
15 Jul: 🇰🇪Kenya — 2 days
01 Aug: 🇧🇯Benin — 0 day
04 Sep: 🇮🇳India — 6 days
10 Sep: 🇦🇪UAE — 2 days
18 Sep: 🇺🇸USA — 11 days
09 Nov: 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia — 7 days
16 Nov: 🇬🇳Guinea — 0 day
18 Nov: 🇩🇪Germany — 4 days
29 Nov: 🇦🇪UAE — 6 days

2024 — No. of Days
24 Jan: 🇫🇷France — 13 days
15 Feb: 🇪🇹Ethiopia — 4 days
29 Feb: 🇶🇦Qatar — 4 days
02 Apr: 🇸🇳Senegal — 0 day
23 Apr: 🇳🇱Netherlands — 3 days
26 Apr: 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia — 12 days
23 May: 🇹🇩Chad — 0 day

2023 — 50 Days
2024 — 36 Days

President Tinubu’s foreign trips accounted for a total of 6 days out of 366 days, roughly equating to spending approximately 1 in every 4 days abroad during the year.

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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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