Business
NNPCL Denies Paying Fuel Subsidies in Last Nine Years
In response to recent controversies, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has issued a statement clarifying that it has not dispensed any fuel subsidies over the past nine years.
This declaration was made by Alhaji Umar Ajiya, the company’s Chief Financial Officer, during a briefing in Abuja on Monday.
The clarification addresses ongoing speculation that the Nigerian government continues to provide fuel subsidies, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration announcing their removal in May 2023.
Ajiya emphasized that NNPCL has not issued any payments under the guise of subsidies during this period. Instead, he explained that the company has been managing the financial discrepancies arising from the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
According to Ajiya, the NNPCL’s role involves importing PMS at a specific cost, while the government dictates a selling price that is lower than the cost price.
The difference between these prices, referred to as the “shortfall,” is reconciled directly with the Federation. Ajiya stated that this arrangement does not involve any direct subsidy payments to marketers.
He elaborated that, rather than paying subsidies, the NNPCL has been handling importation costs and reconciling the financial shortfalls with the government. The company does not transfer any funds to marketers in the form of subsidies.
This statement follows recent comments by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, who indicated that savings from the removal of fuel subsidies are being used to maintain the current pump prices of fuel.
Additionally, it was reported that NNPCL is seeking a N2.6 trillion claim from the Nigerian government for foreign exchange differentials related to fuel importation between August 2023 and June 2024.
Business
FG Empowers 500 Women and Youths With Agricultural Skills In Ogun State
The Federal Government trains 500 women and youths in food production and agriculture. The programme was started to support food security.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security partnered with the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT).
The women and youths were taught tomato, okra and Telfairia production techniques. The government believes this will help boost agriculture, improve food production and strengthen the economy in Ogun State.
Business
Fuel Prices Continue to Drop Across Some Nigerian Filling Stations
According to reports, fuel stations are reducing their prices a bit. This has become a general thing around Nigeria after the spike due to the removal of subsidy.
The prices are dropping to ₦1,275 and ₦1,299, going lower than ₦1,300 compared to what it was before.
Business
MTN Advances IHS Holding Acquisition Following Shareholder Approval
MTN has moved closer to acquiring IHS Holding, following shareholder approval of the proposed takeover, marking another major milestone in the transaction.
The approval was secured during the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on 4 August, allowing the deal to progress to the next stage.
If completed, the acquisition is expected to strengthen MTN’s infrastructure capabilities by giving the company greater control over its telecommunications tower assets. Industry analysts believe the move could improve network efficiency, reduce long-term operating costs, and support MTN’s continued expansion across its markets.
The transaction is still subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions before it can be officially completed.
