Category: PM News

Many Nigerians living abroad have expressed worry over the country’s new tax reform laws and how they might affect money transfers, dual citizenship, and overseas income.

However, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has cleared the air, saying diaspora remittances and foreign-earned income will not be taxed under the new law.

In an interview with Channels Television, Oyedele addressed several frequently asked questions that have dominated online discussions among Nigerians in the diaspora.

He explained that personal remittances, such as money sent home for family support, gifts, or projects are not considered taxable income.

“Genuine personal transfers such as family remittances, gifts, or community savings contributions are not treated as taxable income,” he said. “Only income earned or deemed to be income, like wages, business profits, or investment returns is subject to tax.”

Oyedele also dismissed fears of double taxation, assuring that Nigerians working abroad will not be taxed twice — both abroad and in Nigeria — on the same income.

“Income earned abroad and brought into Nigeria by a non-resident individual is now specifically exempted from tax in Nigeria,” he clarified. “In addition, Nigeria has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with several countries to prevent such cases.”

ccording to Oyedele, tax residency is determined by the 183-day rule, meaning only those who spend more than 183 days in Nigeria within a 12-month period will be considered tax residents.

“Non-residents are taxed only on income derived from Nigeria, such as rental income, dividends, or business profits,” he said. “Dual citizenship does not affect anyone’s tax status.”

Oyedele explained that most government-backed investments, such as bonds and Sukuk, remain tax-exempt, while income from private investments like rental income and dividends attract withholding tax at 10 percent, which can be reduced to 7.5 percent for investors from certain countries including the UK, South Africa, and China.

He added that pensions and stipends from abroad will not be taxed in Nigeria unless they are payments for work done within the country.

“Remote workers are taxed based on the country where they are resident or earn such income, not merely where payment is made,” he noted.

ddressing concerns about Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), Oyedele said Nigerians abroad do not need a TIN or to file annual tax returns unless they have income sourced from Nigeria.

“There’s no requirement to file tax returns unless you earn employment or business income from Nigeria,” he said. “Non-residents without Nigerian-source income are not obliged to file returns.”

Oyedele assured that simplified online channels, such as TaxProMax, have been created to make compliance easy for those who fall under taxable categories.

The clarification comes amid widespread confusion on social media, where many Nigerians abroad had feared their family remittances could soon be taxed under the government’s fiscal reforms.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ending Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030 through concrete actions, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda President Bola Tinubu.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the first lady’s Media Aide, Busola Kukoyi, during her message as the special guest of honour at the 39th Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting held in Manila, Philippines.

The first lady explained to the gathering of over 180 participants from 47 countries that Nigeria is strengthening its commitment to reduce reliance on donor funding, to build resilient systems to ensure no setback on ending TB by 2030.

ccording to Mrs Tinubu, who is the Global and National Stop TB Champion, TB remains the biggest infectious killer disease and is a threat for all of us, being airborne.

She said the stainability of TB response cannot depend solely on external assistance but from within the nation through leadership, community engagement and strategic national coordination.

“I am equally pleased to share that, despite the temporary shifts in support from some financing partners, Nigeria’s efforts in the fight against TB have remained strong.

“Through steadfast leadership, community engagement, and strategic national coordination, we have ensured that the number of people diagnosed and treated for TB in 2025 did not increase..

“This stands as a testament to the power of country ownership and to the unwavering commitment of Nigerians who continue to drive this response forward, even in the face of uncertainty.

“Health for all begins in our communities, therefore, coming together for the Stop TB Partnership Board meetings remind us that the fight against tuberculosis is not finished, ” the first lady said.

She emphasised that TB was a threat that has claimed lives saying “it claims close to 1.3 million lives each year.

“In Nigeria, we remain among the eight countries that account for two-thirds of global TB cases, with an estimated 479,000 Nigerians developing TB in 2023 and more than 150,000 deaths recorded.

“These are not numbers, they are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters whose lives compel us to act with urgency and compassion,” Mrs Tinubu said.

She commended the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and its affiliate agencies, the Stop TB Partnership and others for their dedication and transparency in ensuring that all the money mobilided towards expanding access to testing, diagnosis, treatment and integrating TB services into primary healthcare are judiciously utilised.

In his remarks, the Stop TB Partnership Board Chair and Secretary of Health of Philippines Teodoro Herbosa pointed out that TB was more than a health concern but a development challenge for many nations.

“It is critical fight, despite the remarkable progress made but we must be relentless and determined.

The Executive-Director of Stop TB Partnership, Dr Lucica Ditiu while giving the board report said that integrating data systems with governments of various country’s is vital to ending TB by 2030.

“In five countries, in the last two months new facility for grants have been deployed and with it, 8,000 were screened, 5,000 were diagnosed and 3,000 enrolled in preventive treatment.”

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate was in attendance at the meeting.

The 38th edition of the Stop TB Partnership Board Meeting was held in Abuja in 2024. (NAN)

A new rule is being planned to make electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) meet a minimum capital requirement before their licences can be renewed.

The aim is to make the companies financially stronger and improve their operations.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, announced this on Tuesday at the opening of the Nigeria Energy Week 2025 in Lagos. The event, organised by Informa Markets, has the theme

“Powering Nigeria through Investment, Innovation, and Partnership.” Adelabu explained that many DisCos are struggling financially and owe huge debts.

The new policy, he said, will ensure only financially sound companies continue to operate.

He also revealed that before President Bola Tinubu’s administration came into power, Nigerians spent about 15 trillion yearly on diesel and fuel to power generators due to poor electricity supply. He claimed that the situation has improved under the current administration.

ccording to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, petrol import costs increased by 105.3% from 7.51 trillion in 2023 to 15.42 trillion in 2024.

The minister called on private investors to commit more funds to the power sector, saying the federal government alone cannot finance all the necessary projects.

delabu provided updates on key power projects, confirming that contracts for Phase One of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) have been signed.

This phase aims to add 7,000 megawatts (MW) to the national grid. He noted that average power generation rose from 4,200MW in 2023 to about 5,300MW in 2024.

He said ongoing projects include the rehabilitation of National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) plants to restore 345MW and the successful integration of the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant into the grid.

delabu also mentioned that the Presidential Metering Initiative has begun, with 700 billion secured to install 1.1 million meters by the end of 2025.

He explained that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has been split into two entities:

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), which manages grid operations and the electricity market. The Transmission Service Provider (TSP), which owns and maintains transmission infrastructure.

delabu urged investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s power sector, stressing that the environment is now more business-friendly.

He said Nigeria currently has over 10,000MW of stranded generation capacity electricity that is produced but not distributed due to transmission constraints.

He compared Nigeria’s plans to South Africa’s $25 billion project to expand its transmission network, noting that Nigeria’s Presidential Power Initiative is valued at $2.3 billion.

The minister also highlighted the Electricity Act 2023 as a major milestone, granting 15 states regulatory autonomy to run their own power markets.

He added that the Integrated National Electricity Policy the first comprehensive policy in nearly 20 years has been approved to make the sector more investment-friendly.

delabu said the government is working with states to align their power markets with the national grid and that state governments have a key role, especially in off-grid power projects.

On financial reforms, he noted that cost-reflective tariffs for certain customers have improved supply reliability and increased industry revenue by 70%, from 1 trillion in 2023 to 1.7 trillion in 2024. Revenue for 2025 is projected to exceed 2 trillion.

He announced that President Tinubu has approved a 4 trillion bond to clear verified debts owed to power generation companies and gas suppliers.

In addition, a targeted subsidy will be introduced to protect low-income households as the market becomes fully commercialised.

delabu concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to reforms that will make Nigeria’s power sector sustainable, efficient, and attractive to investors.

By Nelson Ekujumi

Demolition of houses, structures, and other forms of habitation has become one of the major topics of discussion lately because of its enormous impact on society. Though it has always been a topical issue with humanity for ages, this concern is not limited to Nigeria but is a global one.

Demolitions occur for various reasons — by individuals, organisations, and even the state. An individual can demolish an existing structure if they wish to erect a new one to suit their taste, or even part of a structure to align with new designs. However, all these must be subject to statutory approvals to avoid running foul of the law. The same applies to organisations. For the government, however, it is about enforcing the law.

When demolitions occur due to structural defects, violations of building and environmental laws, lack of approval, or dilapidation, they tend to inflame tensions and incite the public against government authorities whose constitutional duty is to enforce the law to ensure public safety and prevent loss of lives.

There are numerous instances of demolitions of illegal, dilapidated, and environmentally hazardous structures and shanties across the 36 states of the country. Recently in Lagos, demolitions have taken place in Oko Oba, Agege, Lekki, Ajah, Festac Town, and Oworonshoki, among others — including the recent demolition of illegal structures at the Trade Fair Complex by the duly empowered authorities. These actions were based on legal parameters relating to the affected buildings that posed risks to public safety. Regrettably, some individuals wielding political authority attempted to make ethnic and political capital out of these lawful and constitutional actions.

Sadly, in Nigeria today — as in other parts of the world — the issue of demolishing structures that violate statutory building laws and pose threats to life and safety has taken on dangerous ethnic and primordial dimensions. This is unfortunate, sad, and condemnable.

Section 1 of the Land Use Act vests land ownership in every state in the Governor. In addition, the Supreme Court judgment of 2003 (Attorney-General of Lagos State v. Attorney-General of the Federation) affirms that land use and physical planning fall under concurrent jurisdiction. States therefore retain the authority to regulate development control within their territories, including on federal lands, except for core areas like military formations or exclusive federal enclaves. Given this legal foundation, how do we reconcile the irresponsible utterances of those who should know better but instead seek political gain from a matter already settled by law?

The attempt by some political leaders to ethnicise and incite the public against the Lagos State Government’s enforcement of the law is deplorable. Historically, Lagos has always been and remains the indisputable melting pot of religious and ethnic harmony among its inhabitants.

It is natural for people to be emotionally distressed when demolitions affect buildings constructed at great cost, time, and effort. However, we must remember that we live in a society governed by law. It is the responsibility of all citizens, political leaders, and state institutions to uphold those laws for our collective good — not for political advantage.

s we examine this matter of urgent public interest, we must situate the facts clearly to guide future generations. Instead of acknowledging errors in erecting shanties unfit for human habitation, or building without approvals on setbacks, canals, and drainages, people often resort to emotional and ethnic sentiments to scapegoat state agencies merely performing their lawful duties.

overnment exists not only for the security and welfare of the people but also to uphold and enforce the law for the collective good. Although we operate a capitalist economy, that privilege does not give us the right to act lawlessly.

When we buy land, what do we usually do in this part of the world? Sadly, many people, after purchasing land, fail to conduct a search to determine whether the land lies within government acquisition, setbacks, or drainages, or to seek expert advice. Instead, they rush to hire legal counsel to perfect documents, ensuring the title reflects ownership — even when the land violates planning laws.

The word conspiratorial is used deliberately here, because legal practitioners who perfect such documents without proper due diligence are also complicit in these violations.

Other accomplices include town planners and architects who prepare building plans without proper layout approval, in violation of professional ethics and legal standards. Unfortunately, they are emboldened by the absence of sanctions from their professional bodies and the state, which focuses only on demolitions rather than holding these professionals accountable. It is public knowledge that many structures are erected without approved plans or permits. Even when served notices to remove or regularise them, many property owners ignore such directives, hoping for leniency.

The key question is: what can be done to prevent the pain and trauma associated with demolitions? Both citizens and government bear losses — citizens through wasted resources, and government through enforcement costs.

First, we must be sincere with ourselves. Upon acquiring land, we should ask: Is this land legal, safe, and suitable for habitation? What kind of structure can be built here? To answer these, one must approach the appropriate government agencies for guidance before construction.

Secondly, government must deploy technology to enable citizens to verify the status of land and determine if it is free of encumbrance. It must also reduce human interaction in land administration to curb corruption, which often fuels illegal development.

Thirdly, government should embark on aggressive advocacy and public engagement on land rights and building regulations. Educating citizens will reduce violations committed out of ignorance or deceit and save society the trauma of demolitions.

Therefore, when news of demolitions emerges, we must remain calm, interrogate the facts dispassionately, and avoid agitation over illegality. In this matter, we are often the architects of our own fortune or misfortune.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely, E-signed,

Gospel singer Tim Godfrey has penned an emotional open letter to individuals who have been judged, misunderstood, or labeled because of their appearance, lifestyle, or past mistakes.

In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, Godfrey reflected on his own experiences of being criticized and misjudged, emphasizing that Jesus never labeled people but instead showed unconditional love and acceptance.

“To the one they called too much. To the one religion judged before hearing your story. To the one who stopped going to gatherings because the whispers were louder than the sermons — this is for you,” he wrote.

The award-winning singer reminded his followers that God’s love is not reserved for the perfect, but for everyone, regardless of their background or perceived flaws.

Citing Romans 8:38-39 andTitus 3:5, Godfrey stressed that salvation is a gift of mercy, not something earned through outward perfection.

He continued:

“You may carry tattoos on your skin. You may have gold in your hair or dreads that make them stare. You may have been told you don’t fit the ‘religious image.’ But guess what? Neither did Jesus. He was rejected, misunderstood, and called names — yet He loved louder.”

The andgtospel artist announced that on October 31, 2025, he will be releasing a new project titled “NO LABEL,” which he described as more than an album, a movement to remind people that and trace has no dress code.

“Because Jesus didn’t come for the perfect. He came for the real. And if you’ve ever been pushed away, know this: He’s still reaching for you. Welcome to NO LABEL,” he declared.

Popular comedian and media personality, Anita Asuoha, widely known asReal Warri Pikin, has issued a playful but firm warning to fans and followers who won’t stop asking about her expected delivery date.

In a humorous video shared on her Instagram page, the comedian was seen jokingly tapping her daughter after the child asked, “When are you giving birth, mummy?”

The clip was accompanied by a caption addressing the constant inquiries from the public.

“When people can’t stop asking you, ‘When are you giving birth?’ This na general warning to all of una wey dey always ask me. ‘When you dey born nau?’ You go collect wetin nor good,” she wrote.

By Abujah Racheal

The Global Director of BudgIT, Oluseun Onigbinde has warned that while states have seen increased revenue inflows from federation allocations, much of this additional income has not been channelled effectively into critical social services like healthcare.

Onigbide spoke in reaction to revelation in BudgIT report that only seven states implemented more than 80 per cent of their health budgets.

This was highlighted at the BudgIT 2025 State of States Report launch, with theme “A Decade of Subnational Fiscal Analysis:” released on Tuesday in Abuja.

BudgIT named the states as Yobe, Gombe, Ekiti, Lagos, Edo, Delta, and Bauchi.

The organisation saud that in 2024, Nigerian states collectively budgeted N1.32 trillion for health.

However, actual spending fell significantly short, reaching only N816.64 billion, representing a 61.9 per cent budget performance.

It said that Yobe led with a 98.2 per cent implementation rate, though its total expenditure was N13.24 billion, ranking 24th among all states.

On a per capita basis, the report the figures were concerning.

The report states that states spent an average of N3,483 per person on health, with no state exceeding N10,000 per person.

It stated that only Lagos, Bayelsa, Edo, Abia, Kwara, Niger, and Delta spent more than N5,000 per capita.

Responding to the report, Onigbinde, said there is an urgent need for states to prioritise health funding and ensure allocations translate into tangible improvements for citizens.

He highlighted the broader implications of subnational fiscal management.

He said the report serves as “a mirror reflecting the choices our state governments make, the paths they follow, and the opportunities they seize or leave behind.”

He noted that while transparency has improved over the past decade, many states still struggle to mobilise resources and manage them efficiently, leaving a gap between potential and actual service delivery.

“The State of States is not BudgIT’s report alone, it is a call to action, a roadmap for reform,” he said.

He urged states to prioritise fiscal accountability, innovation, and investment in sectors that directly impact citizens.

lso speaking, Dr Uche Amaonwu, Nigeria Country Director of the Gates Foundation, congratulated BudgIT for ten years of promoting fiscal transparency and accountability, highlighting how the report tracks Nigeria’s 36 states’ fiscal performance and encourages better governance.

maonwu said that fiscal transparency is not an end in itself but a tool to ensure public resources reach citizens effectively.

He noted that sound fiscal systems and governance improve service delivery, empower citizens, and enable states to invest strategically for shared prosperity.

He highlighted the role of data tools, like BudgIT’s Primary Health Care Accountability Tracker, in improving budget execution and accountability.

He called on state governments to take ownership of performance, adopt strong financial management practices, and ensure that every naira allocated to sectors like health, education, and human capital delivers real impact.

maonwu reaffirmed the Gates Foundation’s commitment to supporting BudgIT and reform-minded states to strengthen governance, noting that “fiscal health is human health, and governance, when transparent and accountable, is the bridge that connects both.”

lso speaking Mr Taiwo Oyedele, highlighted a decade of subnational fiscal analysis in Nigeria, showing both progress and persistent challenges.

Oyedele noted that while FAAC allocations and state revenues have increased, doubling from 5.4 trillion in 2023 to 11.4 trillion in 2024, many states still rely heavily on federal allocations, with 21 states depending on FAAC for at least 70 per cent of revenue.

He pointed out disparities in budget execution, with only two-thirds of education budgets and 62 per cent of health budgets implemented, and emphasised the need to shift from recurrent expenditure to capital and human development spending.

He praised states like Anambra, Lagos, and Enugu for good fiscal management, while urging others to improve, stressing that governance is reflected in prioritising infrastructure, productivity, and human development.

Looking forward, he called for deeper fiscal reforms, responsible debt management, harmonised taxation, and greater investment in education and health.

He urged states to rise above mere survival, convert fiscal gains into tangible prosperity, and ensure inclusive development, categorising them into growth, middling, or declining states.

The 2025 BudgIT State of States Report ranks Anambra as the top-performing state in fiscal management, with Lagos, Kwara, Abia, and Edo completing the top five.

Cross River, previously a top performer, dropped significantly, while Yobe replaced Jigawa at the bottom.

The report evaluates 35 states across revenue generation, expenditure patterns, debt sustainability, and sectoral investments in education and health.

Key findings include strong growth in total state revenue, particularly from FAAC transfers and internally generated revenue (IGR), though 28 states remain heavily reliant on federal allocations.

Capital expenditure is rising, with 24 states spending at least half their budgets on development projects, while recurrent costs and personnel spending continue to dominate in others.

Debt management shows progress, with 31 states reducing domestic debt, though some states remain highly leveraged.

Over the decade, Lagos, Ogun, Delta, Kaduna, and Enugu consistently led in IGR, while states like Borno and Ogun achieved the highest IGR growth rates.

BudgIT said that fiscal sustainability requires improved revenue systems, reduced waste, and prioritisation of infrastructure and human development, calling on states to turn revenue gains into tangible benefits for citizens.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

IR/SH

Nollywood veteran Emeka Ike has proudly shown off his South African wife, Yolanda Pfeiffer, in a new video shared on his Instagram page.

In the heartwarming clip, the actor and his wife were seen walking together on a street, smiling and enjoying a relaxed moment as they held hands affectionately.

The post comes just months after the couple welcomed their baby girl.

Captioning the video, Emeka Ike wrote: “Step in my shoes and go crazy”

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of Works, David Umahi has said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has adopted new engineering standards and technologies designed to ensure that Nigerian roads can last for 50 to 100 years without major repairs.

Umahi who spoke on Tuesday during the inspection of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road project said the new approach will put an end to over three decades of substandard road construction in the country through the implementation of durable, high-quality infrastructure projects nationwide.

ccording to Umahi, roads constructed in the country for the past 30 years had been substandard, “because each administration works on them every time.

“The question you ask is actually why? The reason is because of our construction method and that is why I tagged it that President Bola Tinubu is not constructing roads. He’s building roads.

“That is what I insisted, that we will use this road to show example of what we can do when we had the courage to take the project from Julius Berger.

“But one significant thing that the President is doing is that he is building roads.

“Shortly, we will see the roads. What statement is the President making? He is telling you that the roads he is building under his administration is going to last between 50 and 100 years. You are not touching it.

“The problem of this country is that there is none of the major roads built in this country in the past 30, 40 years that each administration has not been working on.”

Umahi faulted that the model contractors have been using to do the roads, adding that the method of construction has been the problem.

He said, “When Julius Berger was doing the job, they removed the asphalt. They said they want to grind it with laterite

“It is not a good construction method because they brought new laterite on the road.

“There is what is called Californian Bearing Ratio(CBR),it is the strength of the sub-base.

“So, when you remove this and you bring fresh laterite, the compaction, consolidation, will not be as the one that has consolidated for over the years.

“So, it is bound to fail and that is why you see that what Julius Berger completed was beginning to see failures, even while they were still constructing.”

Umahi explained that asphalt had a shelf life of 25 years, saying, ” so, after 25 years it starts wearing off.”

He however,=said the president was stopping this practice with the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway that would last for 50 years.

He assured Nigerians that the section 1 of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano project would be completed before the scheduled 12 months by February 2026.

He explained the section 1 started from four kilometres into Kogi and end at Katari, while section 2 would also proceed accordingly.

Umahi said: “The president has paid over N120 billion naira on this first contract and it shows commitment and love for the people of the country, especially our northern brothers and sisters.

“The first project, N252 billion, is made up of about 118 kilometres and 86 kilometre is on concrete while 17 kilometres of wearing course in Kano.

“We have about 6 kilometers dualised, which is an addition by the President at the end of the Kano section, an additional 6 by 2, that’s 12 kilometers.

“Today, about 2 kilometres has been done on that 17 kilometres. The 6 kilometres by 2 is completed in Kano section. They are putting solar light there now.”

lso speaking ,the Minister of State for Works ,Bello Goronyo, commended Umahi and other officials for their commitment to delivering quality road infrastructure especially on the Abuja-Kaduna-road due to its economic importance.

oronyo said: “Once again, we are here to serve. We have no time to waste.

“We have up to 285 equipment along the road from Abuja to Kaduna, to make sure that we meet our target to finish on time or even before the time.”

He commended Tinubu’s drive towards infrastructure development.

(NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje

Judge’s absence on stalled suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and others over oil import licence dispute.

The matter, which was earlier fixed for today for hearing, could not proceed due to the absence of Justice Mohammed Umar in court.

The judge had, on July 10, ordered parties in the case to regularise their processes ahead of the hearing of the suit.

But Justice Umar was said to be sitting at Enugu division of the court when the case was called on Wednesday.

The court subsequently fixed Nov. 5 for the hearing of the suit.

Justice Umar also ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on the defendants that were not in court.

The suit, which was formerly before Justice Inyang Ekwo, began denovo (afresh) following its reassignment to Justice Umar.

Dangote Refinery had sued the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) as 1st and 2nd defendants.

lso joined in the suit are AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited as 3rd to 7th defendants respectively.

The oil company, through its lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, prayed the court to nullify import licences issued by NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products.

Dangote Refinery (plaintiff) also prayed the court to declare that NMDPRA was in violation of Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by issuing licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

It stated that such licenses should only be issued in circumstances where there is a petroleum product shortfall.

It equally sought a N100 billion in damages against NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licences to NNPCL and the five companies for importing petroleum products, among other reliefs.

The NNPCL, in its preliminary objection, prayed the court to strike out the case for being incompetent.

The NNPCL argued that the suit was premature and it disclosed no cause of action against it.

“This honourable court lacks the jurisdiction to hear this suit,” the NNPCL said.

In the affidavit in support of the application deposed to by Isiaka Popoola, a clerk in the law firm of Afe Babalola and Co, counsel to the NNPCL, he said one of their lawyers, Esther Longe who perused Dangote’s originating summons, affidavit and written address told him that an examination of the processes showed that NNPC as sued by the refinery was non-existent entity.

Popoola averred that the court lacked jurisdiction over the 2nd defendant sued as Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

“A simple search on the CAC website shows that there is no entity called “Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).”

ccording to Popoola, the 2nd defendant/objector is not one and the same with the 2nd defendant sued by the plaintiff.

He urged the court to strike out the suit.

lso, the NMDPRA, in its counter affidavit deposed to by Idris Musa, a Senior Regulatory Officer in the office, prayed the court to dismiss the suit as it was misconceived, unmeritorious and incompetent.

Musa argued that Dangote Refinery is not entitled to any of the reliefs sought.

The official, in the application dated and filed Dec. 13, 2024, said the current production of Dangote Refinery is yet to meet the national daily petroleum products sufficiency requirement.

He said based on this and in compliance with Section 317 [9] of the PIA (Petroleum Industry Act), NMDPRA issued licences to import petroleum products to bridge product shortfalls to companies with good track records of international products trading.

Besides, he said the agency is also mandated to promote competition and prevent abuse of dominant market positions and unhealthy monopoly in the oil and gas sector.

He denied the allegation that NMDPRA is partaking in any purported “grand conspiracy and concerted efforts” against the refinery, describing it as “an allegation for which the plaintiff has provided no facts or evidence in support.”

The oil marketers, in a joint counter affidavit filed on Nov. 5, 2024, told the court that granting Dangote’s application would spell doom for the country’s oil sector.

ccording to them, the plan to monopolise the oil sector is a recipe for disaster in the country.

The three marketers; AYM Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, in their response, said the plaintiff did not produce adequate petroleum products for the daily consumption of Nigerians.

They argued that there was nothing placed before the court to prove the contrary

Justice Ekwo had, on March 18, dismissed the NNPCL’s objection against Dangote’s suit

The judge, in the ruling, dismissed the objection on the grounds that the application was incompetent.

Justice Ekwo held that the NNPCL ought to have filed a defence in the form of a counter affidavit to the Dangote Refinery’s originating process before raising an objection.

The judge, who also dismissed the NNPCL preliminary objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the court, granted Dangote’s motion to amend its originating motion by correcting the name of the NNPCL.

Besides, Justice Ekwo equally dismissed the motion for joinder filed by Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for being an unnecessary party and as a “meddlesome interloper.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

TOA/SH