Malami’s Forfeiture Of 57 Properties: Judge Returns Case File To Chief Judge

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January 28, 2026

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Honourable Justice Emeka Nwite of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, said he has returned the case file of the asset forfeiture involving former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.

The Source reports that Justice Nwite, a vacation Judge, had on January 7, 2026, issued an order of interim forfeiture of about 57 Properties worth over N213 billion suspected to be linked to Malami, his wife and son.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, had in its motion alleged that the said properties which are scattered across three states of Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, are suspected to be proceeds from unlawful activities.

Justice Nwite, while ruling on the ex-parte motion brought before the court by the EFCC, also, directed that the forfeiture order be published in a national daily, calling on interested persons to show cause why the said properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

But in a statement on Saturday from Mohammed Bello Doka, his media aide, embattled Malami accused both the Department of State Service, DSS, and the EFCC of deliberately frustrating his efforts at filing his defence in the forfeiture case.

According to the immediate past AGF and Minister of Justice, the two Government agencies have been acting in ways suggesting that they are in league to deny him the opportunity of defending himself.

However, the matter was not listed among those to be heard on Tuesday, prompting Justice Nwite to inform curious counsels to both parties who were present in court that he has returned the case file to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another Judge having presided over as a vacation Judge.

Counsel to the EFCC, Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, had earlier reminded the Judge that the forfeiture case was scheduled for the day for a report on compliance, urging the Judge to conclude proceedings.

However, Justice Nwite insisted that it is the rule for vacation Judges to return case files to the Chief Judge for reassignment at the end of the vacation period.

Owalla, Owerri North Town Development Union, Lagos Branch, Tasks Police Over Missing Daughter

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Adesina Soyooye

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January 28, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Indigenes of Owalla Community in Owerri North Local Government of Imo State who live in Lagos, under the aegis of Owalla Town Development Union, have tasked the Police over the disappearance of one of them, Ms. Comfort Uwakwe.

Ms Uwakwe has been missing since October 25, 2025, when she told her family that she was going to Epe to visit her friend, Olajide Akeushola. She took off from her residence, No 1 Olusegun Close, off Eliasau Street, Mafolokun Oshodi.

When she arrived her destination, she called her friend, Ifeoma, to notify her. But , a couple of hours later, Ms. Uwakwe called back Ifeoma, distressed, and told her that she had been locked up in a room. Then her phone went off. And since then, nothing has been heard of her.

When her boyfriend was apprehended, by the Police, he confirmed he was with her but that she later left. On further interrogation, he said Ms. Uwakwe was crushed by a trailer. And, one month after, took the police to the scene where a leg, which he said was Ms. Uwakwe’s was found. Not the whole body. But even the leg, the family said does not belong to their sister.

But the Police say they are still investigating.

Now, tired of still waiting, three months later, the Owalla Town Development, Union, Lagos Branch, is protesting and asking questions.

In a statement signed by Chiedozie Nzeh, its President, the people are disputing the storyline by Ms. Uwakwe’s boyfriend and are asking the Police to look the way of ritual murder. They raised a number of questions, and wondered how the leg found remained intact weeks after.

Following is the full statement.

“Lady Missing (Likely Killed) During Visit To Boyfriend In Epe Lagos State”

“After almost ninety agonizing days of waiting for the Police to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of our sister and daughter, Ms. Comfort Uwakwe since October 25, 2025, we, the members of Owalla Town Development Union, Lagos branch, are left with no option than to call the attention of the public to this matter.

“Ms. Comfort Uwakwe, a native of Owalla Autonomous Community, in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, resident at 1, 9Olusegun Close,Off Eliasau Street, Mafolokun- Oshodi, Lagos, according to her sister, on the 25th Of October, 2025, went to visit a friend, Olajide Akeushola, in Epe.

“On getting to her destination, she put a call through to her female friend (Ifeoma) that she had gotten to her destination and had seen the friend she went to visit. By 10:08 p.m, of the same day, Comfort made a distress call to Ifeoma informing her that she was locked in a room and was in danger, before her phone went off and nobody has heard from her till date.

“On the 27th Of October 2025, the family reported her as missing at Makinde Police Station, Oshodi. An IPO was assigned to the case but the family members were told to go to Epe Police Station since she was last seen in Epe.

“On getting to Epe Police Station to lay the complaint, they were referred back to Makinde Police Station.

“On October 28, 2025, investigation into the matter commenced at Makinde Police Station and on November 26, 2025, the boyfriend, Olajide Akeushola, whom Comfort had gone to visit was arrested in Epe and was taken to Makinde Police Station, from where he was transferred, as a suspect, to Lagos State Command (Special Squad), Ikeja, on November 28, 2025, and an IPO was assigned to the case.

“The suspect has since confessed that he met with Comfort in Epe on the day she was last seen by the family. Part of his confession was that they had some drinks and when she got tipsy, he had to lock her in the hotel room where they went. He also told the police that she later had an accident along the Epe highway. According to him, a trailer crushed her on the highway. Thereafter, the police said they had been taken to the scene of the accident by the suspect where they picked a leg said to be the only remains of Comfort; after one month that the said accident occurred.

“The family had insisted, immediately they saw the picture of the leg, that it i

was not Comfort’s leg; making the police to demand for an autopsy and DNA to be carried out on the leg, and that the family will bear the cost.

“This development has not only traumatized the family but has left a lot of questions unanswered:

“1. Whose leg was picked by police?

“2. If it’s Comfort’s leg, as claimed by the suspect (And the police seems to believe him) where are the other parts of parts of Comfort’s body?

“3. If Comfort was locked in the hotel room, as the r claimed, how did she escape to the “highway” where, according to the suspect, she was said to have been crushed by a speeding truck?

“4. What are the hotel staff on duty on fateful day saying? escaped to the Epe highway from the hotel room where she was locked, was there evidence of the door or window of the room being forced open?

“6. Why is the police holding on to the ‘accident’ story of the suspect, and are not looking at other possibilities like ritual murder (Given the sudden appearance of a leg without a body).

“7. Why is the “leg of an accident victim” still intact at the accident scene for several weeks, and not rotting when it was discovered?

“These and more questions are begging for answers that are critical for the sake of justice. There need for due diligence in the investigation, on the part of the police, before it is concluded.

“This is for the Nigerian public to note.

“Anyone with any useful information regarding the missing person should kindly report to the police or contact the following numbers:

0913 061 0045

0706 290 3832

“Signed:
Chiedozie Nzeh
(President, Owalla Town Development Union, Lagos branch).”

After A Stumble, A Fall, President Tinubu, Holds Talks With Erdogan

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Ayodele Oni

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January 28, 2026

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President Tinubu Holds Talks With Erdogan

By Ayodele Oni

After a slight fall, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday proceeded with his official engagements in Turkey, holding bilateral talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Tinubu had experienced the incident during a welcome ceremony in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

The president’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, confirmed in a post on X that the Nigerian leader “missed his step very briefly” and has since continued his schedule without disruption.

Olusegun stated that the president went on to hold bilateral meetings with Erdoaan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, with a live joint press conference scheduled to take place immediately after the talks.

“Mr President missed his step very briefly and has continued his bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. A live press conference is happening immediately after the bilateral,” he wrote.

Also, sharing a picture from the meeting, Olusegun stated: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hold bilateral talks in the Presidential Palace of Turkey.

Pregnant Woman, Six Children, Rescued At Baby Factory In Ekiti

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Ayodele Oni

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January 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Ekiti State Police Command, has uncovered an illegal baby factory located in Ikere local government area of the State.

Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Joe Eribo said the command received a tip-off and arrested one Onyechi Oluwadare, 43, alongside four other suspects behind a popular hotel along Ise road, Ikere-Ekiti.

Other people arrested were, Onuoha Gloria ‘28 yrs’, Victoria Linus ‘25 yrs’, Ihegbogu Mercy ‘21 yrs’ and a heavily pregnant Emmanuel Esther ’23yrs’.

The commissioner stated that “On the 24/01/2026 at about 08:30hrs, the Command received a credible tip-off that the prime suspect, Oluwadare Onyechi, a 43-year old woman, runs an illegal baby factory alongside four other suspects somewhere behind Inisa Hotel and Suit, along Ise Road, Ikere-Ekiti.

“Upon the receipt of the information, the Command Operatives swung into action, cordon off the premises used for the illegal business, and arrested Oluwadare Onyechi and four other accomplices namely, Onuoha Gloria ‘28 yrs’, Victoria Linus ‘25 yrs’, Ihegbogu Mercy ‘21 yrs’ and a heavily pregnant Emmanuel Esther ’23yrs’.

“Search was conducted in the premises and six children within the age of 2 and 9 reasonably suspected to be under bondage and exploitation were rescued.

“Items such as baby delivery materials, some rolls of dexamethasone tablet, and some bottles of Goya oil were recovered from the scene.”

The prime suspect in the alleged baby factory, Onyechi denied the allegations, saying she only prays in the building for those seeking God’s favour.

The Command Operations also arrested one Ibrahim Abubakar, a notorious Cattle Rustler cum kidnapper.

Investigation revealed that Ibrahim Abubakar has over the years, rustled numerous Cattle in Ekiti, Kwara and Kogi States and has been on the wanted list of the three States.

During investigation, Ibrahim Abubakar confessed that he is into cattle rustling business and equally mentioned different occasions in the past where he attacked Cattle owners and made away with their cattle.

A large number of rustled cattle numbering 255 were recovered from him, alongside other 303 cattles recovered from prime suspect, making 558 cattles.

Nat. Assembly, Not NGF, Saved Nigeria From Constitutional Crisis During Yar’adua’s Ill-health – David Mark

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Ayodele Oni

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January 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Former Senate President, David Mark, and ex–Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, have disagreed over the initiator of the Doctrine of Necessity which led to the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President in 2010.

Abdullahi, in his new book, claimed that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) initiated the doctrine, while Mark maintained that it was conceived and executed solely by the Senate.

Mark insisted that it had no connection to the NGF or to any individual from Kwara State, including former Governor Bukola Saraki.

He made the clarification on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of Abdullahi’s memoir, The Loyalist.

According to Mark, the Senate independently took responsibility for resolving the constitutional crisis created by the prolonged absence of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who had been out of the country for medical treatment since November 23, 2009, without transmitting a written declaration to the National Assembly as required under Section 145 of the 1999 Constitution.

Reacting to the claim, Mark firmly rejected the narrative.

“The Doctrine of Necessity is the sole responsibility of the Senate and has nothing to do with Kwara State or anyone from Kwara State. It was the collective decision and responsibility of the Senators at that time.”

Mark, now National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressed that the action taken by the Senate was driven by national interest and the urgent need to prevent a constitutional breakdown.

After weeks of political uncertainty, the Senate, on February 10, 2010, invoked the Doctrine of Necessity and swore in then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President, vesting him with full presidential powers pending Yar’Adua’s recovery.

However, in his 297-page memoir, Abdullahi claimed that the initiative originated from the NGF under Saraki’s leadership.

He wrote that Saraki personally asked him to draft a statement proposing the doctrine to the National Assembly, adding that this move ultimately enabled Jonathan’s formal assumption of office.

Abdullahi further argued that tensions between Saraki and Jonathan stemmed from the Yar’Adua era, alleging that members of Jonathan’s inner circle believed Saraki and the governors frustrated Jonathan’s emergence as Acting President.

Tinubu Stumbles In Turkey

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James Orji

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January 27, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday briefly stumbled during a ceremonial march-past organised for his reception at the parade ground in Türkiye.

The incident occurred as the event was briefly disrupted for the security services to help the Nigerian President back to his feet. A video posted on X by Turkish digital news platform Nefes Gazetesi shows Tinubu walking alongside his Turkish counterpart, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, when the incident happened.

On Monday, the Nigerian Presidency disclosed that President Tinubu had arrived Ankara, the Turkiye’s capital, saying the country’s top government’s officials received him at the airport.

His plane, the Presidency said in a statement, touched down at precisely 9.03 pm local time.

“He was received at Ankara Esenboğa Airport by a Turkish government delegation led by the Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin. The Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian Embassy in Türkiye, Ambassador Zayyad Abdulsalam, and other embassy officials were also on hand to welcome him.

“The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake and Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa(rtd), welcomed the President to his hotel.

“Also at the hotel reception were the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim; Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Kingsley Udeh, SAN; Minister of State for Industry, John Enoh; Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala; and Director-General of the “National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

“President Tinubu’s visit is aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Türkiye and exploring further areas of cooperation to advance a mutually beneficial partnership.

“During the visit, he will hold discussions with his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan,” the government said.

“You Must Rise Above Personal Ambition – Abdullahi, ADC’s Nat. Pub. Sec. Tells It’s Leaders”

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Ayodele Oni

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January 27, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Apparently referring to internal confusion within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over presidential ticket, National Publicity secretary of the party, Bolaji Abdullahi, has said Nigerians are ready for a new political direction, but warned that leaders of the party must rise above personal ambition and internal divisions if the party is to meet that expectation.

Abdullahi made the remarks in his closing address at the launch of his book, The Loyalist, held on Tuesday at the Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.

Some leaders of ADC, including former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, former Rivers governor, Rotimi Amaechi, have been itching to emerge as the candidate of ADC during next year’s elections.

Abdullahi said public interactions have convinced him that Nigerians are prepared for change and are looking to the ADC for leadership.

“I think Nigerians are ready for us, but I don’t think we are ready yet — we the leaders. If only thing this book launch has achieved is bringing all the leaders of the ADC together in one place, then that alone is enough.”

He said many Nigerians openly encourage ADC leaders to put aside differences and work collectively for national renewal.

“People recognise me as one of the leaders of the ADC and they stop me to encourage us to do our best to save Nigeria. That means we must brace up and do better,” he added.

Abdullahi urged party leaders to place the broader interests of the ADC and the nation above personal ambition, stressing that unity and shared purpose would determine the party’s readiness for national leadership.

He described “The Loyalist” as a reflection of Nigeria’s political journey, focusing on the fragile relationships between godfathers and godsons, and argued that political mentorship is not inherently harmful, but must be grounded in values and a clear philosophy.

The book launch doubled as a symbolic gathering of ADC leaders, reinforcing Abdullahi’s call for cohesion as the party positions itself for future political contests.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attended the event as the Special Guest of Honour, while the National Chairman of the ADC, Senator David Mark, served as Chairman of the occasion.

Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, presented the book, while it was reviewed by Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed. Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, formally launched the book.

Other prominent Nigerians at the event included Mr Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Liyel Imoke, Rauf Aregbesola, Emeka Ihedioha, and several other political leaders from across the country.

National Grid Collapses Twice In 7 Days; Why Aba Is Not Affected

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James Orji

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January 27, 2026

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Nigeria’s national power grid has collapsed for the second time in less than one week. The development was disclosed on Tuesday via a post by the National Grid on its verified X handle, under the title, “GRID COLLAPSE”.

The company also stated that load to the 11 electricity distribution companies, DisCos, dropped to zero megawatts as of 10:54am.

Recall that the grid suffered a collapse last week following which most part of the country thrown into utter darkness for hours, before it was restored.

According to the details provided by the company data shared by Nigeria National Grid @NationalGridNg · 10m, the affected DisCos as of 27 Jan 2026 | 10:54 AM were Abuja, Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ibadan, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt and Yola.

Meanwhile, the magazine learned that the current blackout is not likely to affect the residents of Aba in Abia state because of Geometric Power which supplies electricity to close to one million people living in the city. The company is promoted by Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji.

While a large part of the country suffered power cut last week as the National Grid collapsed for the first time in 2026, the people of the commercial city were said to have enjoyed electricity supply through out the period.

According to reports, Geometric Power’s 188-megawatt plant has a distribution network equipped with smart meters. The private system has delivered consistent power even as the broader national infrastructure repeatedly fails.

The stark contrast between Aba’s reliability and the national grid’s persistent instability has intensified calls for Nigeria to accelerate the decentralisation of its power sector. Energy analysts and business groups have urged the government to replicate the Geometric Power model in other cities and regions.

Nigeria generates only a fraction of the electricity needed for its economy and population. Even when the grid operates, total generation typically hovers between 4,000 and 5,000megawatts, far below the estimated 30,000 megawatts required to adequately serve the country. Businesses and wealthier households rely heavily on diesel and petrol generators, adding to operating costs and environmental pollution.

Additional reports from Business Day

Super Eagles Captain, Wilfred Ndidi Loses Dad In Fatal Road Accident

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 27, 2026

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By Akinwale Kasali

Tragedy has befallen the household of Super Eagles Captain, Wilfred Ndidi. His father, Sunday Ndidi, has lost his life in a fatal vehicle accident.

The retired Military Officer died in an horrific highway accident Tuesday January 27th, 2026.

The incident happened in Umunede, Delta State.

It was gathered that he was rushed to a hospital in nearby Agbor but was, sadly, pronounced dead on arrival.

The sudden passing of his father has destabilized the former Leicester City Football Club of England midfielder.

His Turkish Club Side, Besiktas Football Club, has officially confirmed the heartbreaking news, and sent condolences to the family.

A statement by Besiktas Football Club read

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi’s esteemed father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident,” the club said in a statement released via their official X account.

“May Allah grant mercy to the deceased; we extend our condolences to our footballer Wilfred Ndidi, his family, and loved ones.”

The former Genk Football Club of Belgium player had recently led the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he also scored his first international goal for the country.

During the celebration of his goal against Tunisia at AFCON 2025, he replicated Kanu Nwankwo’s goal jubilation at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics. When he interviewed, he referenced his father and his admiration for Kanu.

“The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” Ndidi told journalists in Morocco.

“So I just thought about my dad. I had seen the video before, but it came to my head, and I said I was going to do it for my dad.”

Ndidi, who often speaks about growing up with his father in the barracks, was born and raised in Lagos.

Dangote Hikes Petrol Price Despite FG Promise of Price Reduction

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James Orji

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January 27, 2026

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has hiked the price of petrol sold to marketers from its Lagos refinery to N799 per litre from N699 per litre. The implication, according to the company, is that petrol will now be sold at N839 per litre at the MRS filling stations under a pre-arranged agreement.

The announcement was made in a statement issued late on Monday by the company, which last December announced a reduction in the price of petrol, as a respite for Nigerians during the yuletide celebrations. It has effected price reduction for two consecutive seasons, in 2025 and 2024.

Dangote said now that the festive period is over there’s a need to sell the product in line with the current realities in the market as well as to ensure market stability and affordability.

The company however stated that despite the reduction of price from its refinery many marketers failed to reflect the reduction at their filling stations thus robbing Nigerians of the benefits, adding that as a home-grown company it will work against volatility associated with importation to ensure stability in the sector.

“With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability. Under the current alignment, the PMS gantry price is N799 per litre, while MRS retail outlets are selling at N839 per litre,” the company said.

Adding, “Despite the price reduction, many filling stations failed to reflect the new price at the pump, thereby denying Nigerians the benefits of the reduction.

“With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability. Under the current alignment, the PMS gantry price is N799 per litre, while MRS retail outlets are selling at N839 per litre.”

The price adjustment however comes barely two hours after the federal government said Nigerians would continue to further reduction in the price of petrol due to rising supply, increased competition and sustained private sector investments in the oil and gas sector.

The assurance was given on Sunday by the Authority’s Chief Executiv of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Saidu Mohammed, during an inspection of Aradel Holdings Plc facilities located in Ogbele community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers state.

Mohammed said Nigerians are gradually moving towards the era of affordable energy as improved supply continues to drive price stability, adding that the plan of the federal government is for Nigeria to be able to meet local demands of petroluem products as well as become a net exporter.

He said: “The more supply we have, the lower the price, and this is already evident as petrol has dropped from about N1,000 to N800 per litre due to competition.

“Sustained competition, rather than subsidies, will guaranty adequate supply of petrol and gas at affordable prices for Nigerians.

He stressed the need for additional refineries with advanced conversion capacity to produce diesel, fuel oil, naphtha, LPG and petrol.

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