News
NNPC confirms return of fuel subsidy, experts demand transparency
NNPC confirms return of fuel subsidy, experts demand transparency
Despite initial denials, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says the Federal Government is subsidising the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol.
It said in a new report that President Bola Tinubu approved the request of the company to use its 2023 dividends due to the federation to pay for petrol subsidy.
The President was also said to have approved the suspension of the payment of the 2024 interim dividends to the federation in order to augment the NNPCL’s cash flow.
Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023.
Many analysts had argued that the government must have restored petrol subsidy with the landing cost at over N1,200/litre and pump price retained between M568 and N700/litre.
But the Federal Government before now consistently denied paying subsidy.
Some weeks ago, when some Nigerians hit the streets to protest hardship, one of their demands was the reinstatement of subsidy.
But in his national broadcast, Tinubu ruled out the return of subsidy, saying the decision to remove fuel subsidy as painful but necessary.
Newstrends.ng found in a report obtained by TheCable indicating that the President had given the NNPCL his approval to use its 2023 dividends to pay for petrol subsidy.
According to the 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS) of the national oil company, a net profit of N3.297tn was declared at the close of the financial year which ended in December, 2023, an increase of over N700bn (28 per cent) when compared to the 2022 profit of N2.548tn.
The NNPCL shareholders also approved a final dividend of N2.1trn in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 provisions.
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Analysts react
An economic analyst, Dr Muda Yusuf, said that the government was only being “socially sensitive” by retaining subsidy payment.
Yusuf, who is the chief executive officer of Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), however, called for transparency and openness in the management of the payment.
He said, “I think the government is just being pragmatic; they are just being realistic and they are just being socially sensitive. That is why the price of fuel has remained at around N600, N650, N700.
“If the government had yielded to this argument that there should be no more subsidy, fuel price should have gone to around N1,200, N1,300. And how will the citizens feel?
“So, for the government to be able to show that it is sensitive, it has to continue to provide it until we are able to refine domestically.
“If we begin to refine domestically either through Dangote or through the government-owned refineries, the level of subsidy may drop but it will not completely disappear.
“It is a major dilemma because if you withdraw the subsidy, the citizens will begin to cry out. If you retain the subsidy, you would incur a lot of costs.”
NNPC confirms return of fuel subsidy, experts demand transparency
DAILY TRUST
News
Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents
Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents
The Chairman of Agege Local Government Area, Abdulganiyu Obasa, has announced a free 3kg cooking gas refill programme for 4,000 residents of the council area.
Obasa made the announcement via a post on X on Friday, stating that the initiative is aimed at reducing household energy costs and providing immediate relief at the grassroots amid rising prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
According to the council chairman, beneficiaries will be selected from the seven wards in Agege, with equal allocation across all wards to ensure fairness, accessibility, and inclusiveness.
“As part of our continued commitment to easing the daily burdens faced by our people, I am pleased to announce a free cooking gas refill programme for 4,000 residents across the seven wards in Agege,” Obasa said.
He explained that designated gas refill stations have been assigned to each ward, adding that the distribution would run on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents are required to bring their personal gas cylinders, as only refill services will be provided.
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Obasa warned that once the allocated slots for any ward are exhausted, the exercise would be concluded in that location.
The council boss said the intervention is part of measures to cushion the impact of rising gas prices, support vulnerable households, and promote the use of cleaner and safer cooking energy.
“This is one of several people-focused programmes we are implementing to improve quality of life, encourage clean energy adoption, and demonstrate that governance must be felt where it matters most — in our homes and communities,” he stated.
Obasa is the son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, though the council stressed that the initiative is part of its local social intervention programmes.
The announcement has attracted mixed reactions on social media, with many residents welcoming the scheme as timely relief amid economic pressure.
However, some critics questioned the sustainability of the intervention, arguing that job creation, empowerment programmes, and small business support would provide more long-term economic solutions.
As of the time of filing this report, no official response had been issued by Obasa to the criticisms, though council officials said further details on distribution dates and locations would be communicated through official channels.
Agege Council Announces Free 3kg Cooking Gas Refill for 4,000 Residents
News
UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing
UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing
The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) has confirmed that 100-level student Sadiya Usman has been found safe after being reported missing earlier this week. The university expressed relief and gratitude to the public and security agencies for their assistance in locating the student.
Sadiya Usman, who is enrolled in the Department of Accounting, was last seen leaving her residence at Kontagora Estate, Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Tuesday, 18 February 2026, at around 8:00 a.m. She was on her way to the university’s Main Campus to sit for her Computer-Based Test (GST 111) but did not arrive for the exam.
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After her disappearance, her guardian reported her missing when all attempts to reach her by phone were unsuccessful. The university promptly activated internal safety protocols and collaborated with security agencies, campus authorities, and the public to ensure her safe recovery.
The student was eventually located late on Thursday, 20 February 2026, around 11:49 p.m., and is reported to be safe, unhurt, and in stable condition. Authorities confirmed that coordinated efforts between the university, law enforcement, and concerned members of the public were instrumental in her recovery.
The university reaffirmed its commitment to student safety and welfare, promising continuous updates as necessary. It also thanked those who responded to the public appeal for information and urged students and parents to remain vigilant about safety.
This incident highlights the importance of campus security measures, timely reporting of missing persons, and the role of community involvement in safeguarding students.
UniAbuja Student Sadiya Usman Found Safe After Two Days Missing
News
Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim
Police to Arrest TikToker Mirabel After She Recants False Rape Claim
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed plans to arrest and prosecute TikTok user Mirabel after she admitted that her viral rape allegation was false, authorities and investigative reports indicate.
Mirabel, a social media influencer, first sparked national attention after posting videos alleging she had been sexually assaulted in her home in Ogijo, Ogun State. The posts quickly went viral, drawing widespread outrage, calls for justice, and prompting the police to launch an immediate investigation.
An audio recording of a phone conversation, shared online by social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM), reportedly captures Mirabel acknowledging that parts of her story were fabricated. In the recording, she apologises and admits creating a threatening TikTok account to support her narrative, claiming she had been taking drugs at the time and “was not thinking clearly” when posting the videos.
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A police source said senior officers, including the Divisional Police Officer, were at the hospital where Mirabel was receiving medical care. Once she is discharged, she will be taken into custody and formally charged under provisions of Nigeria’s Criminal Code relating to false reporting of sexual offenses. “The essence is to serve as a deterrent to others,” the source added.
The Ogun State Police had earlier ensured that Mirabel received medical treatment and support, following procedures to protect her health while the investigation continued. The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) confirmed that the incident fell outside its jurisdiction and forwarded all relevant information to the Ogun authorities.
This development has sparked public debate about the responsible use of social media, the impact of false allegations, and the importance of evidence-based reporting. Legal experts warn that fabricating sexual assault claims can carry serious criminal penalties and may undermine the credibility of genuine victims.
Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid spreading unverified claims and to cooperate with law enforcement in ongoing investigations. Updates on the case will be issued by the Ogun State Police Command as formal legal proceedings begin.
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