News
NNPC May Hike Petrol Price
Apparently looking for a desperate window to further increase the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has mobilised its former group managing directors (GMDs) to canvass for a new price regime, arguing that the petrol price capped at N145 per litre was no longer justifiable.
In their words, the petrol price ceiling is not congruent with the current foreign exchange liberalization policy.
The NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Alhaji Garba Deen Muhammad, made this known in a statement in Abuja, at the weekend.
Garba Deen said that the former GMDs advised for the review of the price cap at a one-day meeting of the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru, and the former GMDs of the corporation.
The former GMDs at the meeting were Chief Edmund Daukoru, Chief Odoliyi Lolomar, Dr Thomas John, Mr Lawrence Amu, Dr. Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, Mr Funsho Moses Kupolokun, Dr Abubakar Lawal, among others.
The former oil chiefs commended NNPC for resolving the fuel supply crisis, and urged the corporation to emplace measures that will ensure sustenance of seamless supply of petroleum products nationwide.
“The PMS price cap of N145/litre is not congruent with the liberalization policy, especially with the Foreign Exchange rate and other price determining components such as crude cost, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) charges,” it said.
PMS price was among 11 challenges identified by the former bosses of the corporation which they suggested ways forward.
Other challenges examined include insecurity, corporation reputation, state of the refineries, petroleum product supply, funding of the joint ventures and frontier exploration services, National Petroleum Investment and Management services (NAPIMS), relationship with stakeholders, NNPC revenue base, debt profile and Pension deficit.
On insecurity, the former NNPC chiefs said that there was urgent need for government and security agencies to refocus as well as engage the various host communities.
They suggested the establishment of social and traditional structures to develop an actionable partnership framework toward finding a lasting solution to the present unrest.
The GMDs were concerned about the increasing negative perception of the Corporation by Nigerians especially in terms of opaqueness and accountability.
“They, therefore, called on the Corporation to educate Nigerians on NNPC activities as a commercial entity managing the nation’s assets in trust,” Garba Deen added
On the refineries, they advised that the refineries be rejuvenated using the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
“Also, the refineries must be restructured to operate as an Incorporated Joint venture (IJV) similar to the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model with credible partners having requisite technical and financial capabilities,” it said.
The GMDs advised that funding of Joint Venture Operations should be the first line charge to oil revenue to ensure sustainable production and reserve growth.
They endorsed the presidential order to ensure exploration in the Chad basin and Benue Trough and urged Baru to focus more on the Chad basin that had recorded more prospects.
GMDs expressed concern on the level of NNPC debt profile and advised it should establish the true state of its current financial status and decide most appropriate capitalisation model.
They called for a review of the NNPC pensions and advised that NNPC should explore avenues to close the pension funding gap including the restructuring of the current model.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol