Don’t come for Christmas, FG tells Nigerians abroad - Newstrends
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Don’t come for Christmas, FG tells Nigerians abroad

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As people get ready for end of the year festivities, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has urged Nigerians abroad not to bother coming home or risk being stranded in the country should the government restrict international travels.

It also urged Nigerians not to embark on non-essential travels even as it warned them to be weary of end of the year festivities such as Christmas carols.

These resolutions were reached on Monday and passed on to the public by the Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha; its national coordinator, Sani Aliyu; the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire; and the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Chikwe Ihekweazu, at the weekly briefing of the task force in Abuja on Monday.

Mustapaha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said, “We shall continue to remind Nigerians that all non-essential trips should be put off this December. This is for your safety and good health.”

Aliyu advised Nigerians in the Diaspora should not consider coming home, urging them to celebrate Christmas and New Year wherever they are.

He said, “Nigerians outside the country, hopefully they will stay where they are. And for Nigerians in-country, we will also stay where we are.”

The national coordinator said for every 1,000 passengers coming into the country, Nigeria would record 10 positive cases of COVID-19.

He added, “Please, for this period, if your travel is not essential, stay where you are. We are actively discouraging Nigerians abroad from coming home this Christmas because of COVID-19 and the number of infections we have outside the country.

“So, the message is; if you do not want to get stranded, if you do not want to bring COVID-19 to your elderly relatives in Nigeria, please stay where you are. There will be other holidays.”

Ihekweazu said Christmas carols, travels and other gatherings during festivities could blow the virus infection beyind manageable level and urged Nigerians to avoid them as much as possible.

He said, “This is really to re-emphasise the call by the PTF that many of the traditional meetings that we engage in at this time of the year, whether they are Christmas carols or festivals, trips, family gatherings, each of those could end up being a super spreader event. So, we must take this into consideration as we make our choices.”

Ihekweazu said a travel advisory had been issued detailing why both local and international travels must be avoided unless when absolutely necessary.

Business

NNPCL, Marketers Increase Petrol Price Again Within 24 Hours After Dangote Refinery Hike

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supply stabilization

NNPCL, Marketers Increase Petrol Price Again Within 24 Hours After Dangote Refinery Hike

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and several independent filling stations across Nigeria have increased the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for the second time in less than 24 hours, following a fresh hike in the gantry price by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The development has led to another round of adjustments at retail outlets nationwide, with petrol prices now exceeding ₦1,040 per litre in some parts of the country, particularly in major cities.

Dangote refinery gantry price triggers increase

Industry sources said the latest increase was triggered after Dangote Refinery raised its ex-gantry price of petrol to about ₦995 per litre, up from around ₦874 per litre, forcing marketers and distributors to adjust their retail prices.

The gantry price refers to the amount marketers pay to lift products directly from the refinery before adding transportation, distribution and retail margins.

Following the adjustment, many filling stations immediately reviewed their pump prices upward.

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New pump prices across stations

Checks at filling stations in Lagos, Abuja and other cities showed that:

  • Some NNPCL retail outlets now sell petrol at about ₦1,040 per litre.
  • Independent marketers are selling between ₦1,050 and ₦1,057 per litre, depending on location and logistics costs.
  • A few stations are already approaching ₦1,080 per litre in high-cost distribution areas.

The adjustment represents the second increase within 24 hours, reflecting the rapid reaction of marketers to rising depot prices.

Rising crude prices and market pressures

Energy analysts attribute the price hike to several factors, including:

  • Rising global crude oil prices
  • Increased operational and logistics costs
  • Market-driven pricing under Nigeria’s petrol deregulation policy

Since the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government in 2023, petrol prices have largely been determined by market forces rather than government-controlled pricing.

Public reaction

The latest increase has sparked concerns among motorists, transport operators and small businesses, many of whom say the rising cost of petrol will further increase transportation fares and the general cost of living.

Transport unions in some cities have already hinted that fares may be reviewed if the price trend continues.

Economic analysts warn that persistent increases in petrol prices could worsen inflationary pressures, given the heavy dependence of Nigeria’s economy on petrol-powered transportation and generators.

NNPCL, Marketers Increase Petrol Price Again Within 24 Hours After Dangote Refinery Hike

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Railway

NRC seeks state backing for railway police, unveils plan to electrify rail lines

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NRC seeks state backing for railway police, unveils plan to electrify rail lines

 

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, has called for stronger collaboration between state governments and the railway police, warning that safeguarding rail infrastructure is central to protecting Nigeria’s mobility corridors and sustaining economic growth.

Speaking on Sunrise Daily, a flagship programme on Channels Television, on Saturday, Opeifa said the railway police currently operate in 26 states and should be treated by state governments as an integral part of their local security architecture.

According to him, rail lines cut across multiple states and serve as critical national assets whose protection requires coordinated security efforts beyond federal agencies alone.

“The security of railway infrastructure is tied to the security of our mobility corridors,” he said, urging state authorities to actively support the Railway Police to prevent vandalism and other threats to the network.

Drawing from his experience as a former commissioner in Lagos, Opeifa recalled how Railway Police personnel once assisted the state government during the cleanup of the Oshodi transport hub, describing it as an example of how inter-agency collaboration can protect strategic public infrastructure.

“The history of the Nigerian Railway Corporation is the history of Nigeria itself,” he said, noting that the challenges facing the rail system often mirror broader national development issues.

Opeifa traced the current wave of railway modernisation to 2015, when the country began shifting from narrow gauge to modern standard gauge rail lines under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He noted that several landmark rail projects were delivered during that period, including the Abuja–Kaduna Railway, Warri–Itakpe line, Abuja Rail Mass Transit and the Lagos–Ibadan Railway, while work also began on the ambitious Port Harcourt–Maiduguri corridor.

The NRC boss also highlighted the constitutional amendment that moved railway from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, saying the reform has opened the door for states such as Lagos, Kano, Ogun and Plateau to participate more actively in rail development.

He disclosed that the corporation has developed a national rail map that shows how emerging state rail projects can connect with the national rail network to create a more integrated transport system.

As part of its long-term strategy, Opeifa revealed that the NRC plans to electrify major rail corridors within the next five years, starting with Warri and Lagos where gas resources could support power generation for electric train operations.

He said electrification would improve efficiency, reduce operating costs and align Nigeria’s railway operations with global best practices.

Beyond infrastructure expansion, the NRC chief also addressed operational challenges such as ticket racketeering, attributing the problem largely to high passenger demand.

To curb the practice, he said the corporation has introduced a double verification process for passengers—one check at the waiting area and another during boarding—which has significantly reduced illegal ticket sales.

Opeifa further assured travellers that security on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor remains strong, noting that train operations and station activities are monitored from a central control room. He added that the corporation plans to replicate similar monitoring systems on other routes.

In response to rising passenger traffic, he disclosed that the number of daily trips on the Abuja–Kaduna Train Service has been increased to three.

Looking ahead, Opeifa said the corporation is also exploring ways to harness the tourism and entertainment potential of railway services, promising that the NRC will continue expanding operations while positioning rail transport as a key driver of national integration and economic development.

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Auto

Jetour shakes Compact SUV segment with loaded X50

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Jetour shakes Compact SUV segment with loaded X50

 

Jetour Nigeria says its aim at introducing the current X50 model is to disrupt the compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment in the nation’s automobile market. And that it s currently doing.

The Jetour X50 stands out as a feature-rich compact SUV, designed to deliver a high level of safety, technology and comfort for everyday driving.

Built with a strong focus on occupant protection, the vehicle is equipped with multiple airbags for the driver and passengers, ensuring all-round safety while on the road.

Supporting these passive safety features are advanced electronic systems that enhance stability and control. Vehicle Stability Control helps the SUV remain balanced in challenging conditions, while the Electronic Parking Brake and Auto Hold system improve ease of use in traffic and during parking.

Driver confidence is further boosted by the availability of a 360-degree surrounding camera and parking sensors, which provide improved visibility in tight spaces.

To address common on-road safety concerns, the X50 incorporates a range of intelligent driver-assistance features. Blind Spot Detection reduces the risk of unseen vehicles, while Lane Change Assist and Rear Traffic Alert offer added protection during lane changes and reversing.

Additional security features such as automatic door locking, an alarm system and power windows contribute to peace of mind.

Inside the cabin, comfort and convenience take centre stage. Smart entry with a push-start button simplifies vehicle access, while selectable drive modes—Eco, Normal and Sport—allow drivers to adapt performance to different driving conditions.

Cruise control adds extra comfort on longer journeys.The infotainment system features a 10.5-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity, voice command, phone mirroring, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity on the move.

A wireless charger keeps devices powered without cables. Premium interior appointments include leather seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning with rear vents, an electric sunroof option and a six-speaker audio system.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a dual-clutch transmission, offering a balance of responsive performance and fuel efficiency.

With its aerodynamic design and practical five-seat layout, the Jetour X50 combines modern features with everyday usability, backed by reliable after-sales support and technical assistance.

Its accredited dealers spread across Nigeria are Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R. T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Autos.

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