The Senate has rejected petrol import data submitted by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) after identifying significant discrepancies between the agency’s records and those provided by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts described the conflicting figures for 2022 and 2023 as unacceptable and suspicious, resolving to summon the heads of NMDPRA, NNPC and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) to explain the differences.

reports that the decision was reached during a hearing on issues raised in the NEITI Oil and Gas Industry Audit Report covering the period from 2021 to 2023.

At the hearing, NMDPRA Deputy Director, Uzoamaka Ugwu-Ojobe, who represented the Authority’s Chief Executive, defended the agency’s records.

She told the committee that Nigeria imported 3.29 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, in 2022 and 6.02 billion litres in 2023.

However, figures presented by NNPC indicated that the country imported 6.27 billion litres in 2022 and 3.88 billion litres in 2023.

Ugwu-Ojobe described the differences as minor, explaining that efforts were being made to reconcile the figures from both agencies.

Her explanation, however, failed to satisfy members of the committee, who questioned how the two agencies could report significantly different volumes of petrol imports for the same periods.

Senator Abdul Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central, rejected the description of the discrepancies as minor, pointing out that the difference exceeded 50 per cent in one of the years.

He described the conflicting figures as disturbing and suspicious, insisting that the committee could not accept the explanation without a more detailed investigation.

Similarly, Senator Dayo Faduyile, representing Ondo South, expressed concern that the discrepancies could point to possible foul play.

Senator Anietie Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North East, also called for a comprehensive investigation, warning that the government must ensure Nigerians were not shortchanged.

Following the lawmakers’ objections, the committee chairman, Senator Hassan Dankwabo, representing Gombe North, declared NMDPRA’s explanation unacceptable.

Dankwabo subsequently announced plans to summon the heads of NMDPRA, NNPC and NEITI to a joint meeting, where they would be required to clarify the conflicting figures and reconcile their records.

The committee said the proposed meeting would help establish the accurate volume of petrol imported into the country during the period under review and determine whether the discrepancies stemmed from record-keeping errors or possible fraud.

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Nigerian music star Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, has revealed why he avoids flaunting his wealth and accomplishments on social media, explaining that he does not want young people to feel pressured by his success.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Afrobeats singer made this known during an interview with Jam FM, where he discussed his awareness of the influence he has on young people who look up to him.

The 26-year-old artiste noted that many young people, including his fans, see him as a source of inspiration and aspire to achieve similar levels of success.

However, Rema explained that constantly displaying his wealth could make some of them feel inadequate or believe they were falling behind in life.

He said he is conscious of how people perceive his lifestyle, particularly those still working towards their personal and professional ambitions.

The singer stressed that he does not want anyone to compare their progress with his or feel compelled to achieve certain milestones within a specific timeframe.

Speaking during the interview, Rema said many young people admire him because he represents something they hope to accomplish, adding that he tries not to make anyone feel inferior or pressured by his achievements.

He explained that people sometimes rush their own journeys after seeing others of the same age making progress, which can create unnecessary anxiety and unrealistic expectations.

According to the singer, although some people have advised him not to worry about how his lifestyle might affect others, he remains concerned that displaying his riches could be misunderstood.

Rema also highlighted the role parents play in putting young people under pressure by comparing them with others and forcing them to pursue careers they may not genuinely desire.

He noted that some children end up studying courses they have little interest in simply because their parents want them to secure well-paying jobs.

The singer said he wants young people to pursue their ambitions at their own pace rather than feel compelled to rush their lives because of his achievements.

Explaining his preference for a simple lifestyle, Rema said he enjoys wearing streetwear and does not frequently wear expensive designer outfits.

He added that his chains and wristwatches are perhaps the most extravagant aspects of his appearance.

“I have something they want or dream of, so I do my best not to make anyone feel bad about themselves or feel pressured,” the singer said.