Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed feelings of betrayal by the federal government over the secretive increase in petrol prices. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) raised petrol prices from about N600 to N855 per litre at its outlets. NLC President Joe Ajaero highlighted that the labour union had accepted an N70,000 minimum wage in July based on the government’s promise not to increase fuel prices. Ajaero demanded a reversal of the petrol price hike and the 250% increase in electricity tariffs, stating that the government must respect citizens’ rights and cease repressive policies.
2. The Dangote Refinery is now operational with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The new facility is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, potentially transforming the local energy sector and contributing to economic growth. The refinery’s introduction of Euro 5 fuels, which have lower sulfur content, is anticipated to enhance vehicle engine longevity and reduce environmental pollution. The Dangote Refinery also plans to track fuel consumption more accurately, which could help minimize issues like round-tripping and improve overall market transparency. Despite the positive developments, recent increases in petrol prices by the NNPC to N897 per litre have raised concerns among Nigerians and critics about the impact on the public.
3. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has signed five significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and China. The agreements, finalized during Tinubu’s official visit to China for the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, include plans for joint promotion of the Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation on nuclear energy, human resource development, media exchange, and a partnership between China Media Group and the Nigerian Television Authority. Tinubu’s visit, which included a ceremony at the Beijing cenotaph and meetings with major Chinese firms, aimed to advance trade and economic development between the two nations.
4. Andrew Wynne, a Briton accused of sponsoring the #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria, has alleged that the Nigeria Police Force illegally invaded his bookshop in Abuja, stole his granddaughter’s bicycle, and conducted an unjustified search. Wynne, who has been declared wanted with a N20 million bounty, rejects the treason charges against him, arguing that protests against economic hardship should not be criminalized as treason. The police have challenged Wynne to present himself, claiming that he has been evasive and that his accomplices have already been charged. The police also revealed they have traced Wynne’s private school in Nigeria and interrogated staff. An arrest warrant for Wynne and others was issued by a Federal High Court on charges of treason and terrorism. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana criticized the use of treason charges against protesters, questioning the legitimacy of such accusations and indicating that legal action may lead to their withdrawal.
5. The Nigeria Police Force has identified investigative journalist David Hundeyin and Michael Alade as accomplices of Bristol Isaac, also known as PIDOMNigeria, who is accused of leaking classified documents, fraud, sedition, and tax evasion. Following a petition from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, PIDOMNigeria was arrested at a hotel in Port Harcourt, where he resisted arrest, destroyed his phone, and refused to provide its password. The police’s investigation linked PIDOMNigeria to cyber terrorism and illegal activities involving restricted documents. The authorities are now pursuing Hundeyin and Alade for further investigation. The arrest of PIDOMNigeria is part of efforts to protect national security and maintain public order.
6. Fuji musician Sulaimon Adekunle, known as KS1 Malaika, has denied reports of his mother’s death, clarifying that she is alive and well. The confusion arose when his brother, Azeez Malaika, mistakenly announced their mother’s passing on social media, leading to condolences from the entertainment industry. KS1 Malaika explained that he and Azeez do not share the same mother and urged bloggers to verify the information before publishing.
7. Victor Osimhen was greeted with immense enthusiasm by thousands of Galatasaray fans at Istanbul Airport on Monday, despite arriving at 3:30 am. The Super Eagles star, who is joining Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli, was met with cheers and chants from supporters who had eagerly awaited his arrival. The transfer, completed after the European transfer window closed, sees Galatasaray covering Osimhen’s €10 million salary, with a reported payment of €8.8 million and a break clause in January for top clubs. Fans, who had stayed up all night to welcome him, created a memorable atmosphere as they sang and chanted his name. The footballer underwent medical tests on Tuesday morning before joining Galatasaray’s Europa League squad. He also requested to wear the number 45 shirt, a number he previously wore at Belgian club Charleroi, considering it his lucky number.
