News
FG Extends Fuel Subsidy Removal By 18 Months Labour Suspends Jan 27 Protest
The Federal Government has said it was proposing to extend the subsidy removal implementation period by another 18 months.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, disclosed this to State House Correspondents, yesterday, during a special briefing on fuel subsidy organised by the Presidential Communication Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This is as the organised labour, yesterday, announced the suspension of the proposed nationwide protest on January 27, over the government plan to remove subsidy on petroleum product.
According to the minister, the extension would give all stakeholders time to ensure that the implementation is carried out in a manner that ensures all necessary modalities are in place to cushion the effect of the PMS subsidy removal, in line with prevailing economic realities.
The minister explained, “We don’t intend to remove subsidies now. That is why I am making this announcement. We also see the legal implication. There is a six-month provision in the PIA that will expire in February and that is why we are coming out to say that before the expiration of this time, as I said earlier, we will engage the legislature.
“We believe that this will go to the legislature, we are applying for amendment of the law so that we would still be within the law.
“We are proposing an 18-months extension but what the National Assembly is going to approve is up to them. We would approve an 18-months extension and then it is up to the National Assembly to look at it and pass the amendment as they see it.”
About a possible gradual increase in fuel prices in the coming months, he said “that is not on the table as well. Gradual or increment in whatever guise is not on the table.
“We are going to see how to rejig the law; this is not going to be the only amendment to the PIA. A few months ago, the President already proposed an amendment to the law.”
Asked if the extension has any links to the 2023 general election, the minister said “Of course not. This is just the human face of the government and the president. He wants everything to be in place and he insisted that if we want to remove fuel subsidies, we must make sure we put every measure in place to protect Nigerians.
“That is the president’s insistence. We are now taking steps to ensure that these processes are in place. And this entails talking with labour. We are already talking with labour and our discussions are around palliatives and mitigations.”
Sylva also said the queues experienced at the petrol filling stations across Abuja are man-made.
He explained that “this is not natural. When people are expecting a certain policy direction, they want to take steps on it. Some want to profiteer and then they start to hoard.
“Some want to stuff enough PMS in their homes so that whenever there is an announcement, they have enough in storage. So, all these inform the reason for panic buying and hoarding.That’s why the government is coming very clear that this is not on the cards. We are not contemplating this policy direction.”
Meanwhile, the organised labour, yesterday, announced the suspension of the proposed nationwide protest on January 27, over the government plan to remove subsidy on petroleum product.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), AyubaWabba, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Labour House, Abuja.
According him, “Following the reversal and reproach by government, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress met this morning (Tuesday) virtually to consider the new position of the government.
“The NEC after vigorous debates took a decision to suspend the planned nationwide protest scheduled for January 27, 2022 and the national protest scheduled for February 2, 2022.”
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
News15 hours agoStakeholders Tasks Fubara on recognition of Nwoga As Nzeobi of Egbema kingdom ….laud Tinubu for lifting Emergency in the state
-
Sports15 hours agoPalace End Liverpool’s Invincibility
-
Oil & Energy15 hours agoReps C’mitee Moves To Resolve Dangote, NUPENG Dispute
-
News15 hours agoChina sentences former Agric minister to death
-
Sports15 hours agoMakinde Expresses Readiness To Host Super Eagles
-
Niger Delta15 hours agoWarri Crisis: Oborevwori Sues For Peace
-
Politics15 hours agoExperts Want ECOWAS Parliament To Tackle Fake News
-
Sports15 hours agoMan Utd Lose, Again