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Market Economics: The Responsibility of Nigerian Regulators in Preventing a Dangote Refinery Monopoly

It is crucial to start this by acknowledging the importance of Dangote Refinery as a turning point in Nigeria’s oil and gas downstream sector. For nearly 40 years, the country has relied on imports to meet its energy needs, even though Nigeria is a major crude oil producer and the government has built three refineries.

This situation has caused a lot of contention for the country, including the introduction of fuel subsidies to provide a cushion for impoverished citizens in the country at the mercy of international markets.

The completion of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery is a monumental achievement. With a projected capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, it is the largest single-train refinery in the world and a symbol of industrial ambition with the potential to change the lives of Nigerians for the better or worse.

The Dangote Refinery can become a catalyst for healthy competition, accelerating the development of the downstream sector, or a monopolistic force that stifles competition, dictates prices, and undermines the broader goals of economic inclusion. The direction the refinery takes will be decided by the actions of Nigeria’s regulatory agencies.

The Promise and the Peril

The Dangote Refinery promises to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. We can already see the added benefits of local production in the stabilisation of the naira against the dollar as the country saves billions in foreign exchange and reduces its reliance on imported refined petroleum products. But, there have also been concerns about how the Dangote Refinery, which, despite its scale, intends to achieve vertical integration, will stay profitable without artificial market dominance.

Moves made in the company’s first year of operations suggest the Dangote Refinery is looking to replicate its attempts at a forced monopoly in other sectors in the downstream oil and gas sector. The refinery has already sought to disrupt the complex logistical network that ensures petroleum reaches final consumers by introducing a ‘free’ delivery service targeting major retailers, in a bid to incentivise them to ditch their long-term relationships with importers and depots and to buy products exclusively from the refinery. Industry stakeholders have condemned this move as predatory.

The Dangote Refinery has also been accused of abruptly lowering ex-depot petroleum prices and bearing the cost differential to undercut importers who cannot bear the losses incurred by this tactic. Already, many major importers and depots have been forced to shutter their businesses or risk bankruptcy. When challenged on the integrity of its tactics, the Dangote Refinery has defended its actions as healthy market competition.

A monopoly, even one born from private investment and innovation, can distort markets. It can lead to price manipulation, limit consumer choice, and create barriers for new entrants. In the absence of robust regulatory oversight, the very infrastructure meant to empower the economy could end up concentrating power in the hands of a few.

The Mandate of Regulators

Nigeria’s regulatory bodies, particularly the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), have a constitutional and moral obligation to safeguard the principles of fair competition.

It is their responsibility to ensure transparency in all business practices, monitor market behaviour and intervene when predatory actions are taken against competitors or consumers, even when they are ‘legal’. They must also enforce anti-trust laws and deter larger corporations from engaging in anti-competitive practices that marginalise smaller marketers. But most importantly, it is their responsibility to provide a favourable environment for new entrants into the downstream sector, and by doing so, ensure the energy sector remains resilient and dynamic.

The Dangote Group is only as big and successful as it is today because regulatory agencies ensured indigenous entrepreneurs were protected from monopolistic manoeuvres from international competitors. The same consideration must now be extended to other players in the energy sector to balance industrial ambition and market fairness. The Dangote Refinery represents a significant advancement towards self-sufficiency, but that doesn’t exempt it from the same standards of accountability that any other market participant must adhere to.

A Delicate Balance

Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The emergence of the Dangote Refinery offers a rare opportunity to redefine the country’s energy future. The refinery may be privately owned, but the market it operates in belongs to the people.

The future of the energy sector is the responsibility of the agencies tasked with ensuring that Nigerians reap the benefits of deregulation and that companies maximise the opportunities a free market offers Nigerian entrepreneurs. If local regulators rise to the occasion, they can ensure that this refinery becomes a cornerstone of shared prosperity, not a symbol of concentrated power.

Top 10 African Countries with the Highest petrol Prices in October 2025

Despite ongoing reforms and efforts to stabilise the energy sector, several African nations continue to face steep petrol costs, driven by global oil market fluctuations, weak currencies, and subsidy removals. In October 2025, Malawi topped the list of African countries with the highest petrol prices, followed by Senegal and Zimbabwe.

Below are the Top 10 African countries with the highest petrol prices in October 2025 as per GlobalPetrolPrices.com.

1. Malawi – $2.015 / ?2,935.27

Malawi records the highest petrol price in Africa. The country’s landlocked position, high import costs, and currency depreciation contribute to expensive petrol, which affects transport and food prices.

2. Senegal – $1.760 / ?2,563.85

Senegal’s petrol costs remain high due to heavy reliance on imported refined products and limited local refining capacity, despite being a key player in West Africa’s energy market.

3. Zimbabwe – $1.570 / ?2,287.07

Zimbabwe’s petrol prices are influenced by inflation, foreign currency shortages, and the removal of subsidies. The country often struggles with unstable supply chains.

4. Cameroon – $1.492 / ?2,173.44

Cameroon’s high pump prices are linked to limited refining capacity and rising global crude costs. The government’s partial subsidy removal has added further pressure.

5. Uganda – $1.423 / ?2,072.62

Uganda continues to depend on imported petrol through Kenya, with transportation costs and currency volatility driving prices higher across the country.

6. Kenya – $1.417 / ?2,064.57

Kenya’s recent subsidy removals and increased taxes have pushed petrol prices up. The government has been under pressure to stabilise petrol costs amid public discontent.

7. Ghana – $1.402 / ?2,042.77

Ghana’s petrol prices remain high due to exchange rate weakness and rising import costs. The country’s deregulated market allows frequent price adjustments based on global oil trends.

8. Zambia – $1.392 / ?2,028.05

Zambia’s government faces pressure over petrol inflation, largely driven by the kwacha’s depreciation and dependence on imported petroleum products.

9. Sierra Leone – $1.387 / ?2,020.91

petrol prices in Sierra Leone are among the highest in West Africa. Currency devaluation and global oil market instability continue to push costs up.

10. Cape Verde – $1.386 / ?2,019.08

As an island nation, Cape Verde imports all its petrol, making petrol prices highly sensitive to global shipping and crude oil costs.

Gum disease and cavities increase stroke risk by 86% – Study

A toothbrush may be one of the easiest stroke prevention devices. Now, experts in a study found that gum disease and cavities may nearly double ischaemic stroke risk.

Ischaemic strokes, the most common type, occur when a blood clot or blockage restricts oxygen and nutrient flow to the brain.

In a long-term study, researchers from the University of South Carolina found that people with both gum disease and cavities face an 86 per cent higher risk of stroke compared with those with healthy mouths.

The research, which tracked nearly 6,000 adults over 20 years, also linked poor oral health to a 36 per cent greater likelihood of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems in the study published in Neurology Open Access.

Also, adults who visited the dentist regularly were 81 per cent less likely to have both gum disease and cavities.

A tooth cavity is a hole in a tooth caused by decay from bacteria. And a gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque, a sticky substance that contains bacteria on the teeth.

Study author Dr Souvik Sen said the findings suggest that improving oral health may be an important part of stroke prevention efforts.

According to Dr Sen, ‘This study reinforces that taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about your smile-it could help protect your brain. People showing signs of gum disease or cavities should seek treatment not only to preserve their teeth but also possibly to reduce stroke risk.’

The study followed 5,986 people with an average age of 63, none of whom had experienced a stroke at the start.

Each participant underwent a dental examination to determine whether they had gum disease, cavities, or both and was placed into one of three groups: healthy mouth, gum disease only, or gum disease with cavities.

Participants were tracked over two decades through phone interviews and medical records to identify those who later suffered a stroke.

Among 1,640 people with healthy mouths, 4 per cent had a stroke. In comparison, 7 per cent of those with gum disease alone and 10 per cent of those with both gum disease and cavities experienced one.

After adjusting for factors such as age, smoking and body mass index, the researchers found that people with both gum disease and cavities had an 86 per cent higher risk of stroke than those with healthy mouths. Those with gum disease alone had a 44 per cent greater risk.

Beyond stroke risk, the researchers found that participants with both gum disease and cavities had a 36 per cent higher likelihood of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, fatal heart disease or stroke.

Regular dental check-ups made a significant difference. Participants who visited the dentist routinely were 81 per cent less likely to have both conditions and had 29 per cent lower odds of gum disease alone.

The findings add to growing evidence that oral and brain health are closely connected.

Fed Govt remains committed to $1tr economy by 2030, says Bagudu

The Federal Government has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s economy will attain the $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) target set by President Bola Tinubu by the year 2030.

Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, made this known in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the European Union (EU) Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Mr. David McAllister.

Bagudu said the administration is working closely with both local and international partners to achieve the goal, noting that the government’s growth strategy places significant emphasis on private sector participation.

‘Our President has set a clear target for Nigeria to achieve a one trillion-dollar GDP by 2030,’ the minister told the EU delegation. ‘This is ambitious, but achievable through partnerships such as ours with the European Union.’

In a statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday, Bagudu explained that the government’s economic blueprint is built around strong collaboration with the private sector, which he said would provide 86 percent of the investment required to reach the $1 trillion GDP target.

He said the Tinubu administration is determined to achieve double-digit economic growth in an environmentally sustainable manner within the target period. ‘We are pursuing growth that is both inclusive and responsible-one that creates jobs, strengthens productivity, and protects the environment,’ he said.

Bagudu credited the ongoing reforms under President Tinubu for placing Nigeria’s economy on a more sustainable path and expressed appreciation to the European Union for its continued partnership and support.

The minister specifically thanked the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gauthier Mignot, for facilitating Nigeria’s participation in the 2025 Global Gateway Forum and for securing a N320.5 billion (pound 190 million) credit line allocated to Nigerian commercial banks and financial institutions to boost lending to the agricultural sector.

He noted that the EU’s Global Gateway Project, which plans to invest pound 300 billion in Africa, aligns with Nigeria’s priorities of promoting a green, digital, and inclusive economy while enhancing healthcare, education, and democratic governance.

Bagudu assured the EU delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest. ‘We believe the absorptive capacity of our economy is strong, whether in agriculture or other forms of infrastructure. We are committed to partnering with you and fostering mutually beneficial relationships for our people,’ he said.

The EU delegation leader, Mr. David McAllister, described Nigeria as the EU’s largest trade and investment partner in Africa, accounting for a significant share of imports and exports between both regions.

McAllister said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration in critical areas such as clean energy, industrialization, and economic diversification. ‘We seek to encourage investment and renewal in clean energy, to bolster Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and industrial capacity, and to broaden cooperation and sustainable economic diversification beyond oil exports,’ he stated.

Earlier, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, welcomed the EU delegation and commended their efforts in promoting democratic governance and sustainable development across the globe.

He described the visit as an opportunity to explore how Nigeria and the EU can work more closely to address shared priorities and accelerate economic progress. ‘This engagement provides a platform to align our development goals and strengthen institutional cooperation for mutual benefit,’ he said.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to expanding economic cooperation, improving access to investment capital, and driving inclusive development through sustainable partnerships.

#FreeNnamdiKanu protest: Court reschedules hearing in Police suit against Sowore, others

The Federal High Court in Abuja rescheduled the hearing of the suit filed by the police against Omoyele Sowore and other conveners of the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest for Wednesday, November 5.

The development followed the absence of the presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, in court who was said to be sitting in Enugu division of the court.

The matter, which was on number 11 on the Wednesday’s cause list, was consequently fixed for Nov. 5 for hearing of the motion notice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Umar had, on Oct. 17, fixed Oct. 20 for the respondents in the police ex-parte motion to show cause why the interim order made by the court against the protesters should be vacated.

The hearing was, however, stalled as a result of the Oct. 20 protest, which held same day, crippling the court activities at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The judge had granted an interim order sought by the police, restraining Sowore and others from protesting for the release of Nnamdi Kanu in some sensitive areas in Abuja.

Justice Umar barred the protesters from demonstrating around the Aso Rock Villa, National Assembly, Force Headquarters, Court of Appeal, Eagle Square and Shehu Shagari Way, pending the hearing of the motion on notice.

The judge also made an order of abridgement of time ‘within which the respondents will respond to the application on notice to cause the ex-parte order be set aside on Monday, the 20th of October, 2025 at 9.00am,’ before adjourning until Oct. 20 for hearing of the motion on notice.

The order followed the ex-parte motion moved by the police lawyer, Wisdom Madaki, on behalf of Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN), on Oct. 17.

The Police Force, in the ex-parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025, had sued Sowore, Sahara Reporters Ltd, and Sahara Reporters’ Media Foundation as 1st to 3rd respondents.

The force also joined Take It Back Movement (TIB), for the Transformation of Nigeria Or Any Form of Organisation or Any Other Person(s) Acting Either Express or Implied Instruction or Any Other Organisation or Group With the Like Intention; and Unknown Persons as 4th to 5th respondents respectively.

In the affidavit in support of the ex-parte motion deposed to by Bassey Ibithan, a police officer attached to Directorate of Legal Services, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the officer averred that if not granted, the protest might threaten the national security.

Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, had planned to organised the protest for the release of Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Sowore, who was also the 2019 and 2023 presidential candidate of African Action Congress (ACC), had mobilised for what he called a planned peaceful protest against Kanu’s detention on Oct. 20.

EU backs stronger security, migration, devt partnership with Nigeria

The European Parliament has pledged to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in tackling security threats, managing migration, and promoting sustainable development, describing the country as a strategic partner in Africa.

Chairman of the Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David MacAllister, made this known in Abuja at the end of a two-and-a-half-day visit by a European parliamentary delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS Commission.

He said the visit underscored the EU’s commitment to building a stronger partnership with Nigeria under what he described as the ‘Team Europe approach.’

‘Our visit to Nigeria illustrates the willingness of the European Union’s institutions – and, in this case, the European Parliament – to strengthen relations between Nigeria and the European Union,’ MacAllister said.

‘We reciprocally need each other as reliable and consistent partners, committed to multilateralism, international law, human rights, and a fairer and more sustainable world.’

MacAllister, who led a six-member delegation from five EU member states, said discussions with Nigerian officials focused on peacebuilding, migration management, and economic cooperation.

‘Our interest is to have a prosperous, stable, and democratic West Africa – and, in particular, a strong and stable Nigeria,’ he explained. ‘We need Nigeria to partner with us to defend our common values, manage migration flows, and promote peace and development. Nigeria matters to the European Union.’

He also disclosed that the EU is supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity through several peace and security initiatives, including programmes on disarmament, deradicalisation, reintegration, and peacebuilding.

MacAllister observed that terrorism in Nigeria is not driven solely by ideology, saying, ‘Many factors contribute to it, such as inequality, youth unemployment, communal conflicts, weak governance, and environmental stress. We expect that all groups and vulnerable communities will be adequately protected by the Nigerian authorities.’

On migration and humanitarian issues, the EU lawmaker expressed concern about the malnutrition crisis and migration pressures in parts of northern Nigeria, stressing that addressing humanitarian needs would help reduce irregular migration.

‘We are deeply concerned about the malnutrition crisis, especially in the North-East and North-West,’ he said. ‘Thousands of children’s lives are at stake. While the EU stands with Nigeria, greater commitment from federal and state governments is urgently needed.’

He noted that managing migration requires addressing its root causes by creating jobs and improving access to education and healthcare.

‘We must work together to tackle the factors driving people to migrate irregularly,’ he added. ‘Sustainable development remains the surest path to reducing migration pressure.’

On development and investment, MacAllister reaffirmed that the European Union remains Nigeria’s largest trading partner and leading source of foreign direct investment, accounting for about one-third of the country’s total FDI.

‘Through our Global Gateway investment strategy, we are opening new opportunities in the digital economy, renewable energy, agriculture, health, and transport,’ he said. ‘Together with our member states and financial institutions, we are investing billions of euros in grants and loans.’

Speaking on shared democratic values, he noted that the EU would continue to support Nigeria’s democratic institutions and human rights framework, describing them as the backbone of the partnership between both sides.

‘Nigeria may not be a perfect democracy, but it is a democracy,’ MacAllister stated. ‘We hold our Nigerian counterparts in high regard and commend their commitment to democratic governance.’

He reiterated that Europe and Africa share a common future. ‘The futures of Europe and Africa are closely linked. Your success will also be our success. Our message as we return to Brussels is clear – it is time for the European Union to engage more with and in Nigeria.’

Abba Kyari, others fail to stop trial over alleged undisclosed assets

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari and his two brothers yesterday failed in their bid to terminate their ongoing trial for alleged failure to fully disclose their assets.

In its 23-count charge, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) alleged that Abba Kyari, Mohammed Kyari, and Ali Kyari failed to make full disclosure of their assets.

In a ruling yesterday, Justice James Omotosho rejected the no-case submissions the defendants made after the prosecution closed its case.

Justice Omotosho held, among others, that the prosecution has established a prima facie case against the defendants to warrant their being called upon to enter a defence.

The judge said: ‘In view of all the exhibits and the evidence of the prosecution, the defendants need to give some explanations in this regard.

‘The evidence of the prosecution has founded sufficient ground for proceeding with this trial.

‘A connection of the defendants with the offences, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence and as such, the defendants would be required to enter their defence to the charge or offer a rebuttal of some sort.

‘I must say here that holding that a prima facie case has been established does not necessarily imply that the court finds the defendants guilty of the charge.

‘It is simply to allow the defendants to exhaust their options for their defence and to clear every unresolved issue which may weigh on the mind of the court in reaching a final decision.

‘The defendants are still presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution still has the duty to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt,’ Justice Omotosho said.

The judge held that at this stage of the case, the court would refrain from evaluating the evidence but, limit itself to stating that on the whole, a prima facie case had been made out against the defendants.

He added: ‘I have carefully gone through the evidence presented to the court by the prosecution with respect to this charge.

‘The evidence all points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendants.

‘The evidence is such that the defendants must proffer some explanation or defence to the allegation made against them, especially considering the seriousness of the offences, as their liberty is at stake.

‘The right of a defendant to defend himself/herself is a fundamental right provided under Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

‘Such right cannot be taken from a defendant except where a defendant expressly or by conduct waives the same.

‘These defendants, having not waived their right to defend themselves either expressly or by conduct they are hereby called upon to put in their defence to the charge against them.

‘In the final analysis, the no-case submissions filed by the defendants cannot be upheld in the face of the evidence led by the prosecution.

‘Consequently, the no-case submissions are hereby overruled.

‘Accordingly, the defendants are hereby ordered to put in their defence,’ he said and ordered them to do so within three days.

He adjourned till November 4 for the defendants to open their defence.

Besides accusing the defendants of failing to fully disclose their assets, the NDLEA, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, also accused them of ‘disguising of ownership of properties and conversion of monies.’

According to the NDLEA, the offences are punishable under Section 35 (3) (a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, and Section 15 (3) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

In conducting its case, the prosecution called 10 witnesses to prove its case and tendered about 20 exhibits.

Rather than open their defence immediately, the defendants chose to make no-case submissions after the prosecution closed its case.

UNILAG denies fees hike

The management of University of Lagos (UNILAG) Akoka has debunked the claim by a section of the media that the university has increased it fees being charged the students from the 2025/2026 Academic Session, describing the report as untrue.

The university’s spokesperson, Mrs Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem refuted the media report in a statement on Wednesday.

According to her, the university only implements the directive given by the federal government for every university to harmonise all the approved statutory fees and dues including those payable at the faculty and department levels into one single account channel for every student, especially who are beneficiaries of the students’ loan scheme.

She stated that, ‘What has taken place is a consolidation of approved dues that students previously paid separately at the faculty and departmental levels, charges which were not earlier captured on the students’ central payment portal.

‘So, in compliance with a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education, all universities with students benefiting from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have been instructed to unify all payable fees into a single structure.

‘This ensures that once students make payment through their official portal, no other payment will be collected at the faculty and departmental levels.

‘The University reassures that the system of consolidation of approved dues in one place enables NELFUND to capture and pay all fees accruing to students.

‘It is also important to note that the amounts reflected on the portals differ across programmes based on specific academic requirements. This does not amount to a fee hike but an integration of previously separate, legitimate dues.

‘So, management appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and other stakeholders as the University continues to uphold its legacy of excellence and accountability to better position students, nationally and internationally.

‘So, there is no fee hike in any form by UNILAG.’

’Human capital is NPA’s greatest asset, says Dantsoho

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed that its greatest asset lies not only in infrastructure and technology but in its people, who drive the nation’s maritime growth.

Its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stated this yesterday, during the maiden edition of the National Mentoring Day celebration held at the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos.

Represented by the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Vivian Richard-Edet, Dr. Dantsoho said the event marked a significant milestone in the Authority’s commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting knowledge transfer, and entrenching a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

‘This occasion marks an important milestone in our commitment to nurturing future leaders, promoting knowledge transfer, and institutionalising a culture of continuous learning and professional development,’ he said.

He added that while NPA continues to invest in world-class infrastructure and advanced port technology, its most valuable strength remains its workforce.

‘As an organisation at the heart of Nigeria’s maritime economy, we recognise that our true strength lies not only in infrastructure and technology but, more importantly, in our people,’ he emphasised.

Dantsoho also applauded the contributions of young professionals serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the NPA, describing them as the next generation of innovators and change agents who will shape the future of the maritime industry and Nigeria’s economy at large.

‘The young professionals serving here under the NYSC are not just temporary participants; you represent the next wave of innovators, administrators, and change agents who will shape the future of the maritime sector and, by extension, our national economy,’ he said.

Established in 2014 and inaugurated in London in 2016, National Mentoring Day is celebrated globally on October 27 each year. The observance encourages individuals and organisations to participate in mentoring, ensuring equal opportunities for people to realise their potential.

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10), which seeks to reduce inequalities by promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers through mentorship.

Reps ask FG to reconstitute defunct Presidential committee on cassava initiative programme

The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged Federal Government to reconstitute the defunct Presidential Committee on the Cassava Initiative Programme, known as ‘Composite Cassava Flour of 2002′, with the aim of improving the welfare of cassava peasant farmers in the country.

The lawmakers also tasked management of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to direct the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Bank of Industry (BoI) and other relevant financial institutions to pave the way for easy access to short-term loans in favour of farmers.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on the need to provide Cassava Processing Machines and Short-Term loans to Nigeria Cassava Farmers’, sponsored by Hon. Canice Moore Chukwuugozie Nwachhukwu.

In his lead debate, Hon. Nwachukwu explained that Cassava production in Nigeria is developing as an organised agricultural crop with locally

established processing techniques for food products and livestock feeds.

He observed that the crop is produced in almost all the 36 States of the Federation, including the FCT. Its peels have a high level of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN), particularly in bitter cassava varieties, which are common in Nigeria.

‘They are used as an energy supplement in cattle, which can partly replace 30% of total Dry Matter Intake (DMI) energy concentrates, with no influence on the intake, digestibility, microbial efficiency and nitrogen retention. It is in fact an antidote to many cattle diseases.

‘The House is aware that the planting of cassava is in four planting seasons across the country’s six geopolitical zones and is therefore available all year round. ‘The House is also aware that cassava processing machines and short-term loans, if provided, will make the effective

and hygienic transformation of cassava into garri and fufu possible. This will give the farmers access to a better market share with good selling prices, which will ultimately increase their income while

contributing their quota in feeding the nation and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

‘As being yearned for, diversification of the Nigerian economy could be achieved by using cassava as an alternative to crude oil to earn substantial amounts of foreign exchange through massive cultivation both for local consumption and export.

‘The House observes that cassava displays an exceptional ability to adapt to climate change, with tolerance to low

soil fertility and resistance. drought conditions, pests, and diseases, with the ability to store iso8!g8″99

periods underground even after they mature. Use of fertilisers is limited, and it is also sown on fallow lands.

Also observes that cassava, which is rich in starch in the form of carbohydrate, has multiple uses. It is consumed in many processed forms and also serves as livestock feed for cattle and other animals. Its tubers are made into flours, garri or fufu, which are some of our staple foods.

‘Its other products include: dry extraction of starch, glue or adhesives and modified starch for use in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly through its utilisation as starch in drug formulations. As an excipient in tablet manufacturing and a capsule filling agent, cassava starch offers valuable functionalities that enhance the efficacy,

stability, and affordability of pharmaceutical products.

‘The House is disturbed that with more than 40 cassava varieties in use, 90% of producers in Nigeria are small-scale

farmers with limited or no access to modern processing machines or working capital in order to be self-reliant.

‘The House is also disturbed that Nigeria, being one of the major producers of cassava in Africa, processes about 90% of the root plant into finished products and consumes it locally. Processing is mainly done at a cottage level by women using low-level technology due to an inappropriate packaging system and difficulty in

acquiring appropriate technical equipment and finances.

‘The House is dismayed that the hygiene condition is very poor and these small-scale farmers are facing serious production and profit losses along the local value chain lines,’ he noted.

To this end, the lawmakers also urged Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to embark on massive value chain training of peasant farmers on cassava production, processing and packaging.

To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Agricultural Production and Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report within four weeks for further legislative action.