Category Archives: Featured

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.

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“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.

FULL LIST: Wike revokes 568 land allocations over unpaid C-of-O fees

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the allocation of 568 plots of land in Abuja’s Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, due to non-payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees.

The minister in a public notice, explained that the allottees of the plots of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, failed to pay for their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the minister.

According to the Minister, the revocation is in line with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which allows the withdrawal of land allocations when the terms of the grant are not met.

The notice added that only those who had not made full payments by January 15, 2025, would be affected by the decision.

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The notice read, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plot(s) of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who have failed to pay for their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory, that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of the grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills.

“The general public is, however, invited to note that allottees/title holders who have completed their payments on or before 15/01/2025 are not affected by this publication.

“For ease of reference, the names of the allottees/title holders whose titles have been withdrawn are: For further information, kindly visit AGIS Website: https://agis.fcta.gov.ng/ or FCTA Website: www.fcta.gov.ng.”

Here is the list of 568 land revoked by Wike over unpaid C-of-O fees

FULL LIST: Six Nigerian scientists, engineers on Biden’s honours list

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Six Nigerian scientists and Engineers in Diaspora have been named among the 400 Presidential Early Career Award recipients for Scientists and Engineers in the United States.

The prestigious recognition which was established by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, is the highest honour bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers.

This year’s awardees, announced by President Joe Biden on January 14, 2025, are employed or funded by 14 participating United States government agencies.

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Here are six Nigerian scientists, engineers on Biden’s honours list

1. Azeez Butali, Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa;

2. Ijeoma Opara, Associate Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), Yale School of Public Health, Yale University;

3. Oluwatomi Akindele, Postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

4. Eno Ebong, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biology at Northeastern University;

5. Oluwasanmi Koyejo, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University;

6. Abidemi Ajiboye, Executive Vice Chair of the Case School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University.

FG knocks Emir Sanusi over unconstructive remarks on laudable policies

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the Federal Government does not need the stamp of approval from Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II of its laudable policies that is making life better for Nigerians.

This is contained in a statement  by the minister on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the minister, Sanusi, like any other Nigerian,  has the inalienable right to express opinions either in form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being ran.

“However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so, one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice would  publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.

“It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.

“This administration has implemented transformative reforms, not because they are easy but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as he,  Sanusi had consistently advocated.

“The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management,  more than anything else.

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“These reforms are already delivering measurable progress. The unification of exchange rates has bolstered investor confidence, which has contributed to increased foreign reserves and strengthened Nigeria’s ability to shield itself from external economic shocks.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.”

The minister expressed  disappointment, that reforms,  widely recognised as essential by global experts including  Sanusi himself, are now being subtly condemned because of shift in loyalty.

Idris stressed that Sanusi has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress.

“We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetorics that undermine public trust.

“Instead,  they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains resolute in its mission to lead Nigeria toward economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

“This administration is open to constructive dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders, while remaining steadfast in putting the interests of Nigerians above all else,” Idris said.

(NAN)

UAE president to visit Nigeria in 2025

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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has accepted President Bola Tinubu’s invitation to visit Nigeria this year.

Tinubu invited him on Wednesday during their bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

President Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday as a guest of the UAE President to participate in the Sustainability Week.

He delivered Nigeria’s position on climate and other challenges earlier on Wednesday and congratulated the UAE leader for the successful event.

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During the discussions, the Sheikh thanked Tinubu for accepting his invitation and expressed the UAE’s determination to strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and his country.

The two leaders also explored attracting investment into Nigeria.

President Tinubu said his government’s economic reforms were yielding fruits and called on the UAE to partner with Nigeria to develop the economy.

He said the reforms had stabilised and grown the economy, encouraging foreign investors, including international oil companies, to announce billion-dollar investments, signalling renewed confidence in doing business with Africa’s most populous nation.

President Tinubu thanked Al Nahyan for the warm reception he and his aides received since their arrival over the weekend.

(NAN)

No regret killing my girlfriend Salome Adaidu – Gospel Singer

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Thirty-two-year-old Gospel Singer Timileyin Ajayi, has said he has no regret killing his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu

Ajayi is been remanded in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital

Ajayi was arrested for the murder of his alleged girlfriend, Salome Eleojo Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), serving at Nicon Insurance in the Nation’s capital, Abuja.

She was gruesomely murdered when she visited the suspect at his house in the Papalana axis at New Karshi in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Ajayi was paraded at the headquarters of the Nasarawa State Police Command on Tuesday alongside the knife and machetes he used to commit the crime.

He was nabbed Sunday, January 12, while trying to dispose of the head of Salome after killing her and dismembering her body parts when she visited him at his house.

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Frail from injuries sustained from the mob that identified him before his arrest, Ajayi confessed to the crime.

During an exclusive interview from Channels Television, Ajayi was asked if he killed Salome, he answered? Yes, narrating that it wasn’t planned but it is because they don’t have each other all the time.

“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time, it’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I have the plan in mind, she was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most times. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided,” he said.

When probed further, he said he has no regrets in committing the crime.
Asked if he regrets his action, he added, “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal. That is what I thought, if you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person.

“You have to understand what that person is going through so that you can actually put yourself in the position that the person is going through, that is why I don’t have any regrets because we were actually compatible.”

Salome’s elder sister, Esther Adaidu denied knowledge of any relationship between her deceased sister and the suspect as she pleaded for justice.

She said, “This so-called Timi guy, we don’t know him. We have never seen him until we were called up to tell us that this guy murdered and dismembered our sister.

“I demand and need justice to be served to this guy sitting over there because he is the one that murdered my sister and he confirmed it to me.”

JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu presents N3tr budget for 2025

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The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has presented the sum of N3.005 trillion before the state House of Assembly as a proposed budget for the year 2025.

The budget which is tagged the “Budget of Sustainability.” focuses on capital projects aimed at economic growth and development.

A breakdown of the budget shows that N1.7 trillion was proposed for the Capital budget while N1.2 trillion was set aside in the budget before the lawmakers for the recurrent budget in the coming year.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the budget’s focus on infrastructural development and sustainability.

He reassured Lagosians that the budget aligns with the state’s commitment to maintaining fiscal responsibility while addressing critical needs in education, healthcare, security, and the environment.

The budget proposal now awaits deliberation and approval by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

JUST IN: Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland over charges of terrorism

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Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader Simon Ekpa has been arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.

Reports from local publication Yle indicate that Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

In a statement released on Thursday, November 21, the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals suspected of terrorist activities.

According to the police, Simon Ekpa, identified as the main suspect, was detained “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the four others were apprehended “for financing a terrorist crime.”

“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 police said.

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The police statement further revealed: “Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”

The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation, stated: “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”

The four other suspects are accused of financing the activities under investigation. “All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week,” the statement confirmed, adding that international cooperation has been integral to the preliminary investigation.

Ekpa is accused of coordinating violent actions against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region from Finland, using social media platforms to further his agenda.

In 2023, Ekpa was briefly detained on allegations of fundraising fraud.

He had declared in a widely circulated social media video, “No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory.”