News
Average Price Of 5kg Cooking Gas Stands At N4,642 In April
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has said that the average price of 5kg of cooking gas increased from N4,610.48 recorded in March to N4,642.27 in April.
This is contained in the Bureau’s “Cooking Gas Price Watch’’ for April 2023 released yesterday in Abuja.
The report said the April 2023 price represented a 0.69per cent increase, compared to what was obtained in March 2023.
It said on a year-on-year basis, the increase was 22.15per cent from N3, 800.47 recorded in April 2022.
On state profile analysis, the report showed that Kwara recorded the highest average price of N5, 000.00 for 5kg cooking gas, followed by Abuja at N4, 965.15, and Kaduna at N4, 960.80.
It said on the other hand, Rivers recorded the lowest price at N4, 250.00, followed by Enugu and Anambra at N4, 252.51 and N4, 256.14, respectively.
Analysis by zone showed that the North-Central recorded the highest average retail price of N4, 893.67, followed by the North-West at N4, 693.76.
“The South-East recorded the lowest average retail price at N4, 461.65,” the NBS said.
The report said the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas rose by 0.59per cent on a month-on-month basis from N10, 262.56 in March 2023 to N10, 323.33 in April 2023.
“On a year-on-year basis, this rose by 26.44per cent from N8, 164.37 recorded in April 2022 to N10, 323.33 in April 2023.”
State profile analysis showed that Jigawa recorded the highest average retail price of N11, 312.50 for 12.5kg cooking gas, followed by Cross River at N10, 907.15 and AkwaIbom at N10, 900.00.
On the other hand, the report showed that the lowest average price for 12.5kg of cooking gas was recorded in Ebonyi at N9, 600.25, followed by Yobe and Gombe with N9, 800.00 and N9,801.47, respectively.
Analysis by zone showed that the South-South recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas at N10,595.96, followed by the North-West at N10,409.16.
The report said the North-East recorded the lowest price at N9,921.94.
Similarly, the average retail price per litre of kerosene rose to N1,160.67 in April 2023 on a month-on-month basis, showing an increase of 1.59per cent, compared to N1,142.46 recorded in March 2023.
According to its National Kerosene Price Watch for April 2023, on a year-on-year basis, the average retail price per litre of kerosene rose by 96.79per cent from N589.82 in April 2022.
On state profile analysis, the report showed the highest average price per litre of kerosene in April 2023 was recorded in Adamawa at N1,600.00, followed by Abuja at N1,382.10 and Bauchi at N1,320.50.
“On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Jigawa at N925.25, followed by Kaduna at N950.50 and Edo at N965.85.”
The NBS said the analysis further showed that the North-East recorded the highest average retail price per litre of Kerosene at N1,273.53, followed by the South-East at N1,265.71.
It said the North-West recorded the lowest average retail price per litre of kerosene at N1, 014.19.
The report said the average retail price per gallon of Kerosene paid by consumers in April 2023 was N4, 166.94, indicating a 1.50per cent increase from N4, 105.25 recorded in March 2023.
“On a year-on-year basis, the average price per gallon of kerosene increased by 95.03per cent from N2, 136.52 recorded in April 2022.
News
May Day: Labour Seeks Inclusiveness In Policy-making

The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
News
2025 UTME: JAMB Disowns Site Requesting Payment From Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
News
NDDC Seeks UN’s Support To Accelerate Niger Delta Development

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.