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Prices of food commodities crash in Kaduna 

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Seventeen days into  2025, it has ushered in a bit of hope as the prices of some food items have nosedived  in Kaduna State.

Checks by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) showed that the prices of grains and other staple food items were steadily coming down in markets across the state, against the skyrocketed prices in 2024.

Further checks by NAN Correspondents in Kaduna showed that the prices of food items like rice, beans, yams, garri and noodles had been reduced even though not much.

At the Sheikh Abubakar GumiMarket, Kaduna’s central market, a 50kg bag of foreign rice, which was sold for about N125,000-130,000 before was now being sold for between N120,000 and N123,000.

Also, yams, which were in some weeks in 2024  sold for N7,000 per tuber and N28,000 for a set of five, now sells from N5000  to N6,000 and  N2,500 of medium ones by those who sell on bonanza

A local measure of eight cups of beans which was initially selling for between N3,000 to N3,500, now costs N2,500, while a measure of garri, previously being sold for between N1,400 and N1,500 now costs N1,200.

Read Also: Food prices rose in October – NBS

A carton of Indomie noodles previously sold at N7,700 now sells at  N7,500.

Some consumers, who spoke to NAN in separate interviews said they hoped that the prices of food items would continue to crash.

Hafsat Muhammad said she now buys a local measure of rice at N2,100 against its initial price of N2,400, adding that a local measure of  corn which cost N1200 before  now goes for N900.

Similarly, Hajiya Ummi Shuaibu, a business woman, said she bought bags of maize immediately after the harvest to resell  after some months but her plans changed since the prices of food items began to come down.

” I was expecting the prices to go up like last year but they  didn’t ; so I have to bring out my stock in order not to run on a loss.

” A bag of corn that used to be N60,000 is now around N50,000 to N55,000, that is why I must sell it off as soon as possible, “she said.

(NAN)

Nigeria ranks 5th in countries with cheapest Petrol in Africa

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The retail price of Premium Motor Spirit, (Petrol), increased to between N1030 and N1,150 per litre on Friday, January 17, following a hike by Dangote Refinery and ex-depot prices of the product.

Dangote Refinery had announced a fresh ex-depot price hike from N899 per litre to N955 per litre through an email sent to customers .

The email confirmed the new price regime, noting that marketers buying between two million and 4.99 million litres would now buy at N955/litre, while five million litres and above would buy at N950/litre.

This represents a N55 or 6.17 percent petrol price increase from N899.50/litre announced as a holiday discount for Nigerians last December.

Dangote Refinery’s petrol price increase had sparked different degrees of retail price adjustment across filling stations.

However, Nigeria is still one of the countries with the cheapest fuel in Africa, according to GlobalPetrolPrices.com.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the cheapest fuel at the start of 2025.

1. Libya

Libya remains the leader in the African fuel price rankings, with a litre of fuel costing $0.030. This low price is largely due to the country’s rich oil reserves, which make up a significant portion of its economy.

2. Angola

Angola follows closely with a price of $0.328 per litre. As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Angola has a large share of the global oil market.

The country’s reliance on oil exports helps maintain relatively low domestic fuel prices, providing an economic advantage for its citizens.

Read Also: Petrol price rises to N1,150 per litre after Dangote Refinery’s hike

3. Egypt

Egypt is another country where fuel remains affordable, priced at $0.336 per litre. The country has seen substantial investment in its oil and gas sector in recent years, and the government provides subsidies to maintain lower fuel prices for the public.

4. Algeria

Fuel in Algeria costs $0.339 per litre. The country’s vast oil and gas resources contribute to these low prices, and the government continues to subsidise fuel costs, which helps support local economic stability.

5. Sudan

Sudan’s fuel price is $0.700 per litre, which is still quite low compared to global standards. While Sudan faces economic challenges, it benefits from domestic oil production, though it has struggled with fluctuations in oil output and the impact of external factors on fuel prices.

6. Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, offers fuel at $0.769 per litre. Despite being one of the continent’s top oil exporters, the country’s fuel prices are impacted by fluctuating global oil prices, governmental policies, and the local economy. While the price is relatively low by international standards, it reflects the challenges Nigeria faces in balancing domestic supply and demand.

7. Tunisia

In Tunisia, fuel is priced at $0.794 per litre. The country has limited domestic oil production but benefits from access to regional markets and government subsidies that help control fuel prices. However, economic pressures mean that prices may fluctuate over time.

8. Ethiopia

Ethiopia, with a price of $0.805 per litre, ranks eighth on this list. While the country is not a major oil producer, it imports most of its fuel, but government efforts to stabilise prices help keep costs low for consumers.

9. Liberia

Liberia’s fuel price is $0.829 per litre. The country relies on imports to meet its fuel needs, and while domestic production is limited, low prices are maintained through government policy and external trade agreements.

10. Gabon

Gabon, with a price of $0.944 per litre, rounds out the top 10. As an oil producer with significant reserves, Gabon benefits from relatively low fuel costs compared to other countries on the continent. However, fuel prices are still higher than those in nations with larger oil production capacities.

Petrol price rises to N1,150 per litre after Dangote Refinery’s hike

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The retail price of Premium Motor Spirit, (PMS), has increased to between N1030 and N1,150 per litre following a hike by Dangote Refinery and ex-depot prices of the product.

Dangote Refinery on Friday announced a fresh ex-depot price hike from N899 per litre to N955 per litre.

Dangote Refinery through an email sent to customers confirmed the new price regime, noting that marketers buying between two million and 4.99 million litres would now buy at N955/litre, while five million litres and above would buy at N950/litre.

This represents a N55 or 6.17 percent petrol price increase from N899.50/litre announced as a holiday discount for Nigerians last December.

Dangote Refinery’s petrol price increase had sparked different degrees of retail price adjustment across filling stations.

The spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, confirmed that the product may sell above N1,100 per litre across members’ filling stations nationwide.

Read Also: Five must have Cybersecurity tools for 2024

“Commuters will likely pay over N1,150 per litre at faraway locations, while locations close to the depot will pay N1,100. This is because we will add about N50 logistics costs. Currently, ex-depot prices have increased to N980.

“This change is immediate because crude oil price increase, too, is immediate,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, said although it is too early to project petrol retail price after Dangote Refinery’s upward price review, it is certain that the product would cost more.

“Because right now, we still have an obligation with the MRS to be selling at N935, and some of us bought products there.

So, if they change their prices because of the Dangote price, then the conversation will be different.\

“After the price of buying, there must be the price of logistics. Once that is computed, we can then look at what is the most humane profit margin,” he stated.

Some filling stations in the federal capital territory, Abuja, had already effected at least a N50 adjustment to their petrol prices.

For instance, those selling on Friday morning at N980 per litre have increased to between N1040 and N1,155 per litre.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets still sell petrol at 965 per litre as of Friday evening.

Five UK work visa routes for AI talent 2025

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The UK on Thursday said it will likely evaluate changes to its visa policies to attract highly skilled Artificial Intelligence (AI) professionals from overseas.

This move by the UK aligns with its broader strategy to position the country as a global leader in AI, as outlined in the recently published AI Opportunities Action Plan.

The plan features 50 recommendations aimed at enhancing AI adoption and bolstering economic growth.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan published this week sets out 50 recommendations on how the government should harness the technology and position the UK as a world leader in AI.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer endorsed the plan, stating the government’s intent to implement the recommendations.

Talented AI professionals and graduates from institutions not on the HPI eligibility lists can enter the UK through other visa routes, including:

Read Also: 10 major changes made to UK work visa in 2024

Here are the top work visa routes for AI talent

1. The Skilled Worker route – The most commonly used immigration route for foreign nationals seeking to work in the UK, a Skilled Worker visa may be granted if you have a confirmed job offer with a licensed UK sponsor.

2. The Innovator Founder route – This unsponsored visa is for foreign nationals who wish to come to the UK to set up and run an innovative business. The business idea must be something that’s different from anything else on the market, and you must have your idea assessed by an approved endorsing body.

3. The Global Talent route – An unsponsored immigration route designed to attract the best and brightest talent from around the world. A Global Talent visa allows you to live and work in the UK if you are a leader or potential leader in the fields of academia or research, arts and culture or digital technology.

4. The Scale-up Worker route – This visa allows talented professionals to come to the UK to do an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business (sometimes called a ‘scale-up business’). Your UK employer must meet specific eligibility criteria in order to sponsor Scale-up Workers.

5. The Government Authorised Exchange route – A temporary visa for workers coming to the UK for work experience, job shadowing or training, to take part in an overseas government language programme, or undertake research or a fellowship through an approved exchange scheme.

The government’s acceptance of these recommendations mean it could soon become easier for employers to bring in highly sought-after AI talent from anywhere in the world.

UK to relax visa rules to attract top AI talent

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The government of the United Kingdom (UK) is evaluating changes to its visa policies to attract highly skilled Artificial Intelligence (AI) professionals from overseas.

This move by the UK aligns with its broader strategy to position the country as a global leader in AI, as outlined in the recently published AI Opportunities Action Plan.

The plan features 50 recommendations aimed at enhancing AI adoption and bolstering economic growth.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan published this week sets out 50 recommendations on how the government should harness the technology and position the UK as a world leader in AI.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer endorsed the plan, stating the government’s intent to implement the recommendations.

Read Also: UK Migration 2025: What you need to know

The 21st recommendation set out in the report suggests that the UK government should ‘explore how the existing immigration system can be used to attract graduates from universities producing some of the world’s top AI talent’.

It goes on to explain that some of the world’s leading AI institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University in the US are not currently included on the UK government’s Global Universities List, making their graduates ineligible for the High Potential Individual visa.

As such, the report recommends that the government should take steps to develop new immigration pathways, and strengthen existing ones, to support these promising graduates. It should also explore how best to address wider barriers like the cost and complexity of visas which create obstacles for start-ups and deter overseas talent from relocating to the UK.

In its response, the government stated that it ‘partially agrees’ with recommendation 21, and that the Industrial Strategy will set out how the UK will attract highly skilled AI workers from abroad.

It argues that the UK already offers ‘internationally competitive’ visas that can support a range of individual needs, including for talent to join UK-based organisations or to start their own business.

Lagos Assembly names new principal officers

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The Lagos State House of Assembly has named four new principal officers following the impeachment of the former Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, on Monday.

The Speaker, Mrs Mojisola Meranda (APC-Apapa 1), made this known on Friday while presiding over plenary as the new speaker.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Mudashiru Obasa was impeached on Monday over alleged  gross misconduct by 32 out of the 40 members.

The Clerk of the House, Mr Lekan Onafeko, was also suspended over alleged gross financial impropriety.

NAN  reports that the House also dissolved all the standing committees inaugurated by the former speaker.

According to Meranda, the announcement of new officers is as a result of the change of the leadership of the House.

Read Also: LASTMA rescued 1,075 from road crashes in 2024 – GM

“The House has named Mr Temitope Adewale (APC-Ifako-Ijaiye 1) as the new Majority Leader, while Mr Adedamola Kasunmu (APC- Ikeja 1) is the new Deputy Majority Leader.

“This House has also named the Chief Whip, Mr Setonjo David (APC-Badagry 2), while the Deputy Chief Whip is now Mr Babatunde Saani (APC-Kosofe 2),” she said.

NAN reports that before Obasa’s impeachment, Mr Mojeed Adams was the Majority Leader, while Adedamola Kasunmu was the Deputy Leader.

Mr Mojeed Adams, the new Deputy Speaker, was the former Chief Whip, while Setonji David was the Deputy Chief Whip.

NAN reports that three lawmakers (Obasa, Adams and Mr Akinsanya) were absent at the first plenary presided over by the new leadership.

(NAN)

Haaland signs new Manchester City deal until 2034

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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has signed a new long-term deal with the club that will keep him at the Etihad until 2034.

The Norwegian joined City from Dortmund in 2022 and has scored 111 goals in 126 games for the club since.

The striker’s previous deal, which reportedly included a release clause, had been due to expire in 2027.

Haaland’s new deal would see the striker remain with City until his 34th birthday should he stay at the club until its expiry in nine-and-a-half years’ time.

“I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club,” said Haaland.

Read Also: EPL: Haaland scores hat trick as Man City beat Ipswich 4-1

“Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.

“I also want to thank [manager] Pep [Guardiola], his coaching staff, my team-mates and everyone at the club as they have all helped me so much in the past couple of years.”

Txiki Begiristain, City’s director of football, said: “The fact he [Haaland] is signed for so long demonstrates our commitment to him as a player and his love for the club.”

BBCSport

Troops neutralise six terrorists, recover weapons

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The troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade, have neutralised six terrorists in Sokoto State and recovered weapons.

Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, said this in a statement in Gusau on Thursday.

“On Jan 11, the troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Brigade conducted a coordinated offensive operations against Lakurawa terrorists and made contact in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Read Also: LASTMA rescued 1,075 from road crashes in 2024 – GM

“Following a fire fight, troops neutralised six terrorists and recovered four AK47 rifles, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and a box of 12.7mm ammo among others.

“Sadly, the operation resulted in the loss of 5 gallant soldiers, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Abdullahi said.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to terrorists’ activity in the area and surrounding areas to military and security forces.

“We expect more cooperation from community members, because it is crucial in maintaining safety and security of our communities,” he said.

(NAN) 

Eterna Plc appoints Adeosun as new MD/CEO

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The Board of Directors of Eterna Plc has announced the appointment of Mr Olumide Adeosun as the new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the company.

The appointment takes effect from Feb. 3.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday by Mr David Edet, the Company’s Secretary/Legal Adviser.

Edet commended the outgoing MD/CEO, Mr Abiola Lawal, who resigned effective Jan. 31, for his “exceptional leadership and significant contributions during his tenure.“

The Board congratulated Adeosun on his appointment and wished him “great success in his new role.”

Prior to his new appointment, Adeosun served as Group Executive Director at Rainoil Limited and as a Non-Executive Director at Eterna Industries Limited.

He is also the immediate past Chairman of the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) and a dedicated advocate for clean energy.

He serves on the advisory boards of renewable energy firms and consultancies.

Adeosun is a finance and energy expert with over 25 years of experience in both sectors.

He began his career as a Business Analyst under the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) UK graduate programme in London.

He later moved to BP Plc, where he held various senior roles in upstream finance, business support, and commercial operations.

In BP’s Strategic Origination team, Adeosun played a pivotal role in developing BP’s Africa trading strategy, which led to the establishment of BP Global West Africa Ltd in Nigeria.

Read Also: LASTMA rescued 1,075 from road crashes in 2024 – GM

As Vice President of Commercial Development, he spearheaded initiatives that led to a 300 per cent revenue growth within three years.

Adeosun’s experience also includes his time at PwC’s West Africa Energy Advisory team in Lagos, where he led transactions raising over $1.5 billion in infrastructure and energy investments.

He also oversaw the acquisition of a leading multinational midstream and downstream company.

In 2019, Adeosun was appointed CEO of Ardova Plc, where heexecuted a five-year transformation strategy focused on LPG and renewable energy.

He also led the successful bid for a majority stake in the Olua Field on OML 25, establishing a joint venture in record time.

Adeosun is a Member of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Directors, and a Member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).

He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Woodbury University, California, and an MSc in Mathematics from Royal Holloway, University of London.

(NAN)

LASTMA rescued 1,075 from road crashes in 2024 – GM

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The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rescued 1,075 lives from road accident across the state 2024.

The General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.

Bakare-Oki attributed the achievement to the authority’s unwavering dedication to preserving lives, optimising traffic flow, and executing timely interventions throughout Lagos State.

He added that the agency proficiently addressed 2,051 road traffic incidents, encompassing an astonishing 3,754 vehicles.

“These incidents were meticulously categorised as 143 fatal accidents, 502 severe accidents and 1,406 minor accidents.

“This monumental achievement underscores LASTMA’s pivotal role in curbing fatalities and mitigating the grievous repercussions of road mishaps,” he said.

He said that in tandem with its accident response efforts, LASTMA skillfully resolved 5,108 cases of vehicular breakdowns, underscoring its operational dexterity and technical acumen.

Read Also: Seyi Tinubu: An Inspiring Tale of a ‘Good Samaritan’

“The breakdown cases comprised: 423 cars, 746 buses, 219 SUVs, 1,649 trucks, 400 tankers, 535 trailers and 1,118 others.

“LASTMA’s prompt intervention ensured timely relief for stranded motorists, effectively averting potential traffic bottlenecks and secondary accidents,” he said.

He noted that as part of its commitment to fostering proactive public engagement and enhancing service delivery, LASTMA inaugurated a toll-free hotline (080000527862).

This, he said, enabled Lagos residents to report traffic obstructions, vehicular breakdowns, emergencies, and the conduct of LASTMA personnel.

“The hotline received 3,567 calls across multiple languages, including English, Pidgin, and Yoruba.

Of these calls over 3,450 cases were expediently resolved, while remaining 117 cases were escalated for further attention.

“Additionally, the launch of the Physical Complaint Centre recorded 2,056 physical cases, of which 1,968 were successfully addressed, with 88 cases transferred for advanced resolution.

“These pioneering platforms have significantly bolstered LASTMA’s capacity to respond swiftly to crises and address public grievances, further entrenching its reputation as a responsive and citizen-centric institution,” he said.

He said that the commendable milestones achieved in 2024 embody LASTMA’s steadfast commitment to its mission of cultivating safer roads and an efficient traffic management system in Lagos State.

He said the agency remained resolute in harnessing advanced technology, fostering public collaboration, and enhancing the proficiency of its personnel to deliver unparalleled traffic management services.

Bakare-Oki extended heartfelt appreciation to the general public particularly motoring public for their unwavering cooperation and reiterated LASTMA’s resolve to uphold its dedication to excellence in service delivery.

(NAN)