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IPAC Urges Government to Improve Fuel Transport Safety After Jigawa Tragedy

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The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to improve road safety and explore alternative methods for transporting highly inflammable petroleum products.

This call comes in the wake of a devastating fuel tanker explosion in Majiya town, located in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, where over 150 people tragically lost their lives, and many others were severely injured.

In a heartfelt statement signed by its National Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, IPAC expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the explosion.

The council conveyed its condolences to the families affected, acknowledging the magnitude of their grief, and emphasizing that no words could adequately ease their pain.

Dantalle stated that the council was deeply pained by the incident and stands in solidarity with the affected communities during this difficult time.

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IPAC also pointed out the alarming frequency of fuel tanker accidents and explosions that have claimed hundreds of lives across the nation in recent months.

Many of the casualties in these incidents, the council noted, were individuals who had risked their lives by attempting to scoop fuel from the accident sites.

The council stressed that every Nigerian life is valuable and must be protected.

It urged citizens to refrain from the dangerous practice of gathering spilled fuel from accident scenes, which has often resulted in even more catastrophic outcomes.

Furthermore, IPAC called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify public awareness campaigns aimed at educating citizens about the life-threatening dangers associated with scooping fuel.

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The council emphasized the need for greater community outreach and sensitization efforts to prevent future tragedies of this nature.

In its statement, IPAC reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the government and people of Jigawa State during this challenging period.

It stressed the importance of collective efforts to make Nigeria a safer and more secure nation for all its citizens.

The council also extended its prayers, asking Almighty Allah to comfort the grieving families and grant them the strength to cope with their irreparable losses.

IPAC additionally wished those injured in the explosion a speedy and complete recovery.

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The explosion in Majiya town has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and safer practices in the transportation of petroleum products.

With repeated incidents of fuel tanker accidents causing widespread death and destruction, many are calling on the government to implement long-term solutions, such as the construction of pipelines or the adoption of rail transport for petroleum, which could greatly reduce the reliance on road tankers.

These solutions, combined with stricter regulations and enforcement, could help prevent further loss of life.

The Jigawa tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the need for both government action and public cooperation to safeguard lives.

IPAC’s message resonates with the broader calls for improved safety measures, not only for fuel transportation but also in protecting citizens from preventable disasters.

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Korean Soju Becomes a Hit in UK’s Supermarket and Bars

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Korean soju, a clear, distilled liquor traditionally made from rice, has experienced a significant surge in popularity across the United Kingdom. This rise mirrors the growing appreciation for Korean cuisine and culture among British consumers.

Leading UK supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Lidl, have expanded their product ranges to include various soju brands. For instance, Sainsbury’s has introduced products like Jinro Chamisul Soju, which offers consumers the convenient access to this traditional Korean spirit.

Modern soju producers have introduced fruit-infused variants and creative packaging to appeal to younger audiences.

Flavors such as green grape, grapefruit, plum, and strawberry have become particularly popular. Brands like Jinro have capitalized on this trend, offering products like Jinro Green Grape Soju and Jinro Grapefruit Soju, which provide a sweeter, more approachable taste profile.

The rising interest in soju aligns with the broader wave of Korean cultural influence, often referred to as the “Korean Wave” or “Hallyu.” This encompasses the global popularity of K-pop, Korean cinema, and television dramas, which have collectively heightened curiosity about Korean culinary traditions.

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According to a 2023 survey by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), 64.1% of British respondents expressed willingness to purchase Korean food and services, the highest rate in Europe.

HiteJinro, a leading soju producer, reports a remarkable average annual export growth rate of 73% to the UK over the past three years. This underscores the expanding market and the increasing acceptance of soju among British consumers.

Industry experts suggest that the innovative approaches of Korean drinks brands, including the introduction of single-serving flavored options and appealing packaging, have significantly contributed to this upward trend.


 

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Superdry Closes Bradford Store Due to Rising Costs and Fewer Shoppers

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High street fashion retailer Superdry is closing its Bradford Broadway store today, marking another chapter in the ongoing challenges faced by traditional retail outlets. The store is hosting a significant clearance sale, offering customers substantial discounts as it prepares to shut its doors for good.

This closure is part of a trend affecting the UK’s high streets. In 2024, approximately 13,479 retail stores closed across the country, equating to an average of 37 closures per day—a 28% increase from the previous year. The Centre for Retail Research anticipates that this trend will continue, forecasting around 17,350 retail site closures in 2025.

Several factors contribute to these widespread closures:

  • Shift to Online Shopping: Consumers are increasingly favouring online shopping platforms, reducing foot traffic in physical stores.
  • Rising Operational Costs: Retailers are grappling with escalating expenses, including higher national insurance contributions and increased minimum wage requirements.
  • Economic Pressures: High inflation rates have led to reduced consumer spending, impacting retailers’ revenues.

Other retailers, such as Beales and New Look, are also closing various branches due to financial pressures. Beales, for instance, will close its last remaining store in Poole on May 31, while New Look plans to shut nearly 100 outlets.

The decline in traditional high street shopping has resulted in significant job losses, with nearly 170,000 retail jobs lost in 2024 alone, marking the highest annual loss since 2020. Experts predict that 2025 may bring even worse outcomes for retail jobs and store closures.


 

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Dangote Refinery Lowers Petrol Price to N815 Per Litre

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Dangote Refinery has reduced its ex-depot price for premium motor spirit (PMS) to N815 per litre. This adjustment follows a drop in fuel landing costs, which recently fell to N774.82 per litre, lower than Dangote’s previous ex-depot price of N825 per litre.

Industry insiders have confirmed the price reduction, although Dangote Refinery has not made any official statement about it.

Chinedu Ukadike, the spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, acknowledged the change. He explained that speculation about lower prices for imported products is fueling the competition. He added that since Dangote has a large supply of fuel, reducing prices helps to protect its market share.

It’s unclear whether this reduction will affect the pump price at Dangote-affiliated stations like MRS, which currently sells petrol at N860 per litre in Lagos and N880 in Abuja.

In recent months, Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have been locked in a competitive price battle.

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Meanwhile, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association recently met with the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, to push for more stable and competitive fuel prices.


 

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