Latest News
Tanker Drivers on Edge as Dangote, Marketers Unveil Game‑Changing 4,000 CNG Truck Deal”
With less than a month to the scheduled rollout of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks by Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, industry stakeholders are increasingly aligning with the refinery’s plan to begin direct fuel distribution to marketers and key sectors of the economy starting August 15, Sunday PUNCH reports.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Findings as of Friday revealed that no fewer than 25 petroleum marketers have now signed agreements with Dangote Refinery for the direct distribution scheme—up from an initial three—indicating a rapidly growing partnership between the indigenous refinery and downstream players.
However, the development is sparking unease among tanker drivers, who fear that the refinery’s entry into direct supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) could lead to significant job losses and disrupt traditional logistics chains.
Last month, the refinery announced plans to supply PMS and diesel directly to marketers, retail dealers, manufacturers, as well as key players in the telecoms and aviation sectors—a move widely seen as a game‑changer for Nigeria’s fuel supply system.
Confirming the surge in strategic partners, a senior Dangote Group executive told Sunday PUNCH on Friday, under anonymity, that preparations for the nationwide rollout are in top gear:
“Yes, more marketers are now registering with us ahead of the planned free distribution of petroleum products using 4,000 trucks. We started with three partners, but the number has now grown to 25.”
Dangote Refinery explained that the initiative is designed to bridge supply gaps caused by Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel and to ensure availability of refined products across the country. Analysts predict the scheme could help stabilize pump prices and ease logistics bottlenecks, particularly in the northern region.
Nonetheless, the refinery’s growing dominance in the downstream sector has triggered debates over market control, regulatory oversight, and long‑term impacts on competition.
Reacting to the development, Chinedu Ukadike, National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), admitted that marketers have little choice but to partner with Dangote:
“We don’t have any other alternative. Dangote has become the only supplier of petroleum products in Nigeria and West Africa. Most of us are ready to collaborate with Dangote and have applied to benefit from the free distribution scheme.”
Ukadike added that high operating costs and the escalating pump price of fuel have made retail operations unsustainable:
“Whatever would bring petroleum prices down at the dispensing point is what IPMAN members are after. Lower prices mean products move faster and investments become profitable. But when prices are high, sales stagnate. Sometimes we don’t even sell a single truckload in a month, yet overhead costs—like staff salaries—keep piling up.”
Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has weighed in on the escalating crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), joking that the party’s remaining governors may soon have to constantly reassure each other of their loyalty.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Sani shared his remark on X on Wednesday, noting that if PDP is eventually left with only two governors—Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed—they might find themselves frequently checking in with one another.
“Now that the PDP has only two governors remaining, the two will have to be calling each other every hour to be sure…with words like ‘I hope we are still together’ or ‘I hope you still dey,’” he wrote.
His comment comes amid rising tensions following a Court of Appeal ruling, which upheld earlier judgments preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising the results of the party’s disputed national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, in November 2025.
The court found that the convention violated both statutory requirements and the PDP constitution, further deepening divisions within the party.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sylvester Ezeokenwa, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reintroduce the indirect mode of primaries.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Ezeokenwa made the call on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, speaking on the electoral framework as the 2027 general elections approach.
He explained that while political parties can technically conduct direct primaries, logistical challenges make indirect primaries more practical, especially for smaller parties.
“It’s not about electing a candidate indirectly at the general election. If INEC could conduct elections during the COVID-19 era, political parties can certainly hold direct primaries,” Ezeokenwa said.
However, he noted that the stance of IPAC (Inter-Party Advisory Council) highlights a critical concern: “The National Assembly’s position on primaries tends to stifle smaller political parties, which often lack the resources to organize direct primaries on a large scale.”
He added, “Consider nominating a presidential candidate and conducting primaries across over 8,800 wards nationwide. The logistical demands of direct primaries are immense. That is why IPAC is urging the National Assembly to bring back the indirect mode of primaries.”
Prominent businessman Obi Cubana has declared his support for President Bola Tinubu via the newly launched City Boy Movement, a youth-centered initiative focused on educating and empowering communities to drive national development.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking during a meeting with Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Cubana clarified that the movement is not a political party, but a platform supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid.
“The unique aspect of this movement is that it’s composed mostly of young businessmen, not politicians. Our mission is to uplift our communities by educating and reorienting people about our collective path forward,” he said.
Cubana stressed the importance of unity and constructive engagement with the Federal Government. “We believe in the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As young professionals and successful entrepreneurs, we are letting our people know that we are fully behind the President and his re-election. Igbo voices must be included at the center, and divisive politics should be avoided,” he added.
He highlighted the need for regional development and connection to federal initiatives, noting, “There must be balance and recognition of every region. Our communities need access to infrastructure, gas, and rail systems.”
Cubana further emphasized that meaningful progress requires collaboration with the government. “Opposition without engagement won’t leave a lasting impact. The City Boy Movement stands on Tinubu’s mandate. Our aim is the advancement of Igbo land, and it is our responsibility to educate our people. We are solidly behind Tinubu,” he concluded.
-
latest7 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges