NIMC workers embark on strike, allege exposure to COVID-19 – Newstrends
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NIMC workers embark on strike, allege exposure to COVID-19

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Registration of National Identity Number has been put on hold as workers of the National Identity Management Commission embark on indefinite strike over what they call undue exposure to coronavirus and sundry welfare issues.

The notice for the strike action is contained in a statement signed by President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, NIMC branch, Lucky Michael, and its Secretary, Odia Victor.

The notice was issued after a meeting convened on Wednesday January 6 by the association to discuss the state of the exposure of staff members to COVID-19 and the salary structure and its representation in the annual appropriation and irregularities in the conduct of promotion exercise amongst other welfare matters.

The workers also decided to go on strike to demand for better welfare package from the government, more allowances for the registration of NIN, which they viewed as an extra duty.

They decried the lack of protective kits at their offices, which left them exposed to contracting the coronavirus disease while attending to a huge crowd of applicants daily.

The association’s statement read in part, “Consequent upon the congress of the above-mentioned association that took place on January 6, 2020, the unit executive directs all members of grade level 12 and below in the head office and state offices to report to their respective duty posts tomorrow January 7, 2020, and do nothing.

“All members at the local government offices and special centres are advised to stay away from their various centres as a task force and implementation committee would be on parade to ensure total compliance to the directive.”

Some of the workers who spoke on the strike on condition of anonymity accused the government of toying with their safety.

They expressed concern over lack of personal protective equipment at the office as they noted that they could get infected with COVID-19 while attending to thousands of residents daily.

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Toyota corporation taps on Winpart by CFAO to distribute CWorks batteries in Nigeria 

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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.

This introduction marks a new era of reliability, durability, and high performance for Nigerian motorists and businesses, Winpart by CFAO says.
The firm in a statement obtained by newstrends.ng 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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CBN posts $23bn net FX reserve, strongest in three years

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CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso

CBN posts $23bn net FX reserve, strongest in three years

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has achieved its strongest foreign exchange reserve position in over three years, posting an impressive $23.11 billion in net reserves at the end of 2024.

The development signals a robust recovery and enhanced financial stability for the country’s economy. It also reflects a substantial improvement in the country’s external liquidity, reduced short-term obligations, and renewed investor confidence.

According to the CBN, NFER (Net foreign exchange reserve) stood at $23.11 billion, a marked increase from $3.99 billion at year-end 2023, $8.19 billion in 2022, and $14.59 billion in 2021. NFER, which adjusts gross reserves to account for near-term liabilities such as FX swaps and forward contracts, is widely regarded as a more accurate indicator of the foreign exchange buffers available to meet immediate external obligations.

Gross external reserves also increased to $40.19 billion, compared to $33.22 billion at the close of 2023.

The increase in reserves reflects a combination of strategic measures undertaken by the CBN, including a deliberate and substantial reduction in short-term foreign exchange liabilities – notably swaps and forward obligations. The strengthening was also spurred by policy actions to rebuild confidence in the FX market and increase reserve buffers, along with recent improved foreign exchange inflows – particularly from non-oil sources.

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The result is a stronger and more transparent reserves position that better equips Nigeria to withstand external shocks. The expansion occurred even as the CBN continued to reduce short-term liabilities, thereby improving the overall quality of the reserve position.

“This improvement in our net reserves is not accidental; it is the outcome of deliberate policy choices aimed at rebuilding confidence, reducing vulnerabilities, and laying the foundation for long-term stability,” Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, commented. “We remain focused on sustaining this progress through transparency, discipline, and market-driven reforms.”

Reserves have continued to strengthen in 2025. While the first quarter figures reflected some seasonal and transitional adjustments, including significant interest payments on foreign-denominated debt, underlying fundamentals remain intact, and reserves are expected to continue improving over the second quarter of this year.

Going forward, the CBN anticipates a steady uptick in reserves, underpinned by improved oil production levels, and a more supporting export growth environment expected to boost non-oil FX earnings and diversify external inflows.

The CBN remains committed to prudent reserve management, transparent reporting, and macroeconomic policies that support a stable exchange rate, attract investment, and build long-term resilience.

 

CBN posts $23bn net FX reserve, strongest in three years

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Petrol: Dangote refinery resumes loading trucks after payment

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Petrol: Dangote refinery resumes loading trucks after payment

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has resumed loading of the Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol on trucks for oil marketers.

With the suspension of Naira for crude programme, rising price of crude oil and foreign exchange issues, the 650,000 barrels per day, bpd refinery stopped loading of trucks, based on Naira.

While loading by ships on dollar basis continued, the $20 billion refinery requested oil marketers, having an arrangements with it to “top up” payment so they can be supplied petrol.

However, checks by Vanguard indicated that many companies, including MRS Oil & Gas, which complied, were being loaded at N880 per litre, yesterday.

A reliable industry source, who confirmed the development, said: “Loading by trucks has commenced for oil marketing companies, which have added more monies.”

Meanwhile, petrol prices have risen across the country, with new pump and depot prices reaching up to N960 per litre and N900 per litre, according to the latest price list, obtained from MRS Oil and Gas.

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The adjustments, which became effective from March 28, 2025, indicated higher prices across major cities, with Lagos having the lowest rates and northern states recording the highest.

In Lagos, petrol will sell for N930 per litre, while states in the South West, including Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, and Ondo, will pay N940 per litre.

Also, in the South South and South East regions, including Edo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Enugu, the product would be sold at N960 per litre.

In Abuja, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Nasarawa will pay N950 per litre, while Zamfara, Kano, Jos, Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, Borno, Katsina, Jigawa, Gombe, and Yobe will pay N960 per litre.
The naira-for-crude arrangement was originally designed to enhance domestic fuel supply, curb import costs, and stabilise pump prices.

Under the scheme, Dangote Refinery has received 48 million barrels of crude oil in naira since October 2024, with an overall supply of 84 million barrels since it began operations in 2023.

Meanwhile, in a report obtained from its website, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery stated that “The Refinery will meet 100% of the Nigerian requirement of all refined products and also have a surplus of each of these products for export.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery is a multi-billion-dollar project that will create a market for $21 Billion per annum of Nigerian Crude. It is designed to process Nigerian crude with the ability to also process other crudes.”

 

Petrol: Dangote refinery resumes loading trucks after payment

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