Business
Forces against FG’s NIN policy behind attacks against me – Pantami
Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has blamed forces against the Federal Government’s policy of compulsory National Identity Number (NIN) registration for all Nigerians and those residing in the country as behind the attacks against him.
Pantami in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES dismissed all the allegations against him, describing them as ‘untrue’.
He further denied links to extremist views, saying criminals and other ‘entrenched interests’ are behind the attacks on him.
He said, “I have no doubt about this. It has to do with the National Identification Number. Do you know one thing? This policy was started in 2011, it was not successful. Why? It was fought.
“In 2015, it came up, it was not successful. In 2018 there was a time that there were meetings between government and mobile network operators.
“And it was actually announced that by the agreement with government, the deadline was January 2018. It is there online, I will share it with you if you like. By January 2018, it was not implemented, because there are forces against it. There are forces!”
Pantami explained that the National Identification Number registration is not only meant for Nigerians and that it could be obtained by anybody in Nigeria.
He also said, “Now they have started coming with the news that people are coming from neighbouring countries to register. What they fail to understand is that the National Identification Number is not only for Nigerians; anybody in Nigeria can obtain it.
“Section 16 and 17 of the Act mention the registrable people in the country – citizens, legal residents, legal permanent residents, and legal residents for a minimum of two years. So, it is not only for citizens. And it is also important to know that this is not just an indication that they are citizens of Nigeria.
“It is rather an indication that you presented your biometric data, so the government has control over your data.
“And that data of NIMC (National Identity Management Commission), nobody has access to it in any way he likes. Getting access to it illegally is 10 years in prison. It is there in the law. But people will like to discredit it, because they don’t like it.
“As long as it is implemented by the government, it will go a long way in reducing crime and based on the statistics we have been seeing now, it’s really encouraging.
“As government, our priority is the protection of the lives and property of our citizens. Security is our priority as a government – whether in agric, digital economy, education or in health, in whatever. President Muhammadu Buahari is so passionate about security, and he directed me to do that because he knows I try to persevere despite challenges and do what is right in the interest of our citizens and humanity.”
“You know as a government appointee, and at this level, if you say you are going to be intimidated by everything, then you cannot do the work. You cannot do the work. I was with the Minister of Foreign Affairs this week, on April 12. I was with the minister. I was with the ambassadors of the UK, the US, South Korea, and many other countries.
“Even this issue that we are talking about, based on our findings, preliminary investigation, many people are not happy with what we have been doing – linking National Identification Number with SIM. Because a situation will come that all the people using SIM to commit crime will not be able to do that.
“If they do that, the government will be able to intercept them easily. This is what they don’t want to happen.”
And this is a mandate given to me by President Muhammadu Buhari. He personally signed the letter that ‘you are mandated to do that’.
“As his appointee, I should either do it or say I cannot. So, since I am willing to serve my country, I must continue to do it to the best of my ability.
“So, in my meeting with them, they even encouraged me to push it and make it very successful.”
Business
More heads to roll in NNPCL, subsidiaries as Ojulari assumes office
More heads to roll in NNPCL, subsidiaries as Ojulari assumes office
There are indications that more heads will roll in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL and its subsidiaries as Engineer Bayo Ojulari yesterday assumed office as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.
This was even as the management and staff of NNPC Ltd welcomed the appointment of a new GCEO Officer and Board of Directors for the company by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
However, checks Vanguard showed that the reorganisation would start from the corporate headquarters to the subsidiaries, including Upstream, Gas and Power, new Energy, Downstream and Non-Energy businesses.
The checks indicated that the reorganisation would be targeted at ensuring that round pegs are placed into round holes based on the commitment of the new leadership to achieve national goals and objectives in the oil and gas industry.
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It was confirmed that the businesses to be impacted include the NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), NNPC Energy Services Limited (EnServ), NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), NNPC New Energy Limited (NNEL), NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), and NNPC Gas & Power Investment Services (NGPIS).
They also include NNPC Trading Limited (NTL) NNPC Retail Limited (NRL), NNPC Shipping Limited (NSL), NNPC RefChem Limited (NRCL), NNPC Downstream Investment Services (NDIS), Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company Limited (NPSC), National Energy Reserve Management Company (NERMC), NNPC Non-Energy Investment Services (NNIS), NNPC Foundation Limited/Gte, NNPC Academy, NNPC Properties Limited (NPL), and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Research Technology and Innovation (RTI).
More heads to roll in NNPCL, subsidiaries as Ojulari assumes office
Business
NNPCL hikes petrol pump price to N950/litre
NNPCL hikes petrol pump price to N950/litre
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has raised petrol prices to N925 per litre in Lagos and N950 per litre in Abuja, effective April 2, 2025.
This represents an N65 increase from the previous price of N860 per litre in Lagos and an N70 increase from the previous price of N880 in the North.
Last week, MRS and other independent marketers increased the price of petrol, raising its pump price to ₦930 per litre in Lagos and ₦960 for residents living in the northern part of the country.
Industry experts stated that the new increase is a direct fallout of the recent suspension of sales of petroleum products in naira by the Dangote refinery.
The adjustment reflects changes in Nigeria’s deregulated fuel market, including competition, supply costs, and global oil price trends.
It also coincides with the appointment of new leadership at the national oil firm, NNPCL, by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday. The board was also restructured.
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The NNPCL retail stations in Fadeyi, Ago Palace Way, and Ogba, as well as the NNPC station on College Road, have adjusted their prices to N925.
In Ikeja, outlets on Acme Road and the Lagos-Abeokuta Motorway have also raised their pump prices to the new rate.
However, due to logistical delays, not all NNPC stations in Lagos may have updated their prices simultaneously.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the national oil firm station located along the Kubwa motorway upped its price to N950 from N880 per litre. Other stations along Wuse effected the same increase.
This adjustment follows months of price competition. In March 2025, NNPC dropped their pricing to N860 per litre, matching Dangote Refinery’s lower rates.
However, due to rising global oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and changes in crude oil sourcing costs, NNPC has now revised prices upward.
Earlier in 2025, NNPC had supplied petrol at N925 per litre in December 2024 before various price adjustments.
The present rate in Lagos remains cheaper than in certain other places, including Abuja, where rates recently stood at ₦880 per litre.
NNPCL hikes petrol pump price to N950/litre
Auto
Toyota corporation taps on Winpart by CFAO to distribute CWorks batteries in Nigeria
Toyota corporation taps on Winpart by CFAO to distribute CWorks batteries in Nigeria
Leading distributor and importer of high-quality automotive spare parts and lubricants in Nigeria, Winpart by CFAO, has commenced the distribution of Cworks batteries in Nigeria.
Cworks is a premium automotive battery brand from Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
The battery introduction, the company says, marks a new era of reliability, durability, and high performance for Nigerian motorists and businesses.
The firm in a statement obtained by Newstrends says as an official distributor and importer of top-quality automotive spare parts, Winpart by CFAO has continued to bring globally trusted brands to Nigeria, ensuring that vehicle owners and businesses have access to world-class solutions.
Developed under the renowned Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Cworks batteries are engineered to deliver superior power, a longer lifespan, and consistent performance in all driving conditions.
Winpart by CFAO says CWorks is a product of “renowned Toyota Tsusho excellence, designed to meet global automotive standards; long-lasting performance, built for durability and resilience on Nigerian roads and weather conditions.”
The company disclosing that the batteries are now available through Winpart by CFAO outlets added that the product would facilitate “reliable power supply, ensuring smooth engine starts and sustained power for all vehicle types”.
General Manager of Winpart by CFAO, Mohamed TALEB, said, “We are excited to introduce Cworks batteries to Nigerian motorists. As a brand from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Cworks battery reflects the same commitment to quality and performance that Toyota is known for worldwide.
“With Winpart by CFAO, Nigerians can now enjoy a battery that delivers reliability, longevity, and value.”
According to the firm, through Winpart by CFAO, Cworks batteries will be available across Nigeria via authorized dealers and service centres, ensuring easy access to high-quality battery solutions.
The company added that more information on CWORKS Batteries, can be obtained from its website- www.winpart.com.ng.
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