Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate for the Action Alliance of Nigeria (AAN), has formally requested a coroner’s inquest to investigate the death of Mary Habila. Sowore has explicitly opposed moving forward with any burial plans, insisting that a full forensic examination and independent investigation must first be completed to determine the circumstances of her passing.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Request for Investigation: Sowore called for a formal coroner’s inquest into the death, which reportedly occurred at the residence of David Umahi, the Minister of Works.

• Allegations of Unnatural Causes: Sowore asserted that the death appeared unnatural, noting claims that Habila was found with blood flowing from her mouth.

• Demand for Forensic Procedures: He urged the relevant authorities to strictly follow legal protocols, including performing an autopsy, before any burial is authorized.

• Call for Public Scrutiny: Pointing to past unresolved deaths, such as those involving five NELAN engineers connected to the minister, Sowore argued that this incident requires thorough public scrutiny and comprehensive investigation.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has mandated that all payments for products lifted from its facility must be made in U.S. dollars, effective July 13. This shift in policy, which cancels previous naira-based transactions, requires downstream marketers to source foreign exchange to purchase petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Increased Procurement Costs: Following the announcement, depot prices for petrol rose by up to ₦113 per litre at some facilities, while diesel ex-depot rates increased by as much as ₦150 per litre.

• Massive Monthly Dollar Requirement: Estimates indicate that marketers will need approximately $1.84 billion monthly to procure these refined products, with petrol alone requiring $1.1 billion per month.

• Shift in Financial Burden: This policy transfers significant foreign exchange risk from the refinery to downstream marketers, who earn revenue in naira but must now pay in dollars. Analysts warn that this currency mismatch, combined with potential delays in accessing foreign exchange, may force marketers to pass these costs on to consumers, leading to more frequent and volatile adjustments in pump prices.

• Operational Challenges: Industry experts, including Prof. Wumi Iledare, noted that this change necessitates more sophisticated foreign exchange procurement strategies and treasury management, potentially disadvantaging smaller operators. Furthermore, marketers are concerned this could lead to the “dollarisation” of the downstream sector, as they prefer trading in naira to match their retail sales.

• Context of the Decision: The refinery’s status as a Free Trade Zone enterprise provides a legal basis for dollar transactions. However, industry stakeholders suggest the move stems from difficulties in securing sufficient crude oil through the government’s “naira-for-crude” initiative, forcing the refinery to rely more heavily on imported feedstock paid for in dollars.

While economists such as Dr. Muda Yusuf acknowledge the commercial logic of the refinery’s decision—given its reliance on imported crude—they emphasize that the ultimate impact on Nigerian consumers will depend heavily on the stability of the naira and international crude oil prices.

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to pay a state visit to Nigeria later this autumn, marking a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The announcement was made by the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Marc Fonbaustier, during France’s National Day celebration in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

• Reviewing Bilateral Progress: This visit, occurring two years after President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to Paris, will allow both leaders to evaluate the success of their existing cooperation roadmap.

• Defining Future Cooperation: The discussions are expected to focus on deepening ties in key sectors, including trade, agriculture, security, and democratic governance, with the goal of creating mutually beneficial outcomes for both countries.

• Partnership Based on Equality: Ambassador Fonbaustier emphasized that the relationship is built on equality and mutual respect, deliberately avoiding interference or imposition, and is guided by open communication.

• Shared Development Goals: Both nations are aligned on social and economic objectives, such as job creation, improving living standards, and environmental protection, as evidenced by increasing commercial partnerships between French and Nigerian companies.

• Commitment to Democratic Values: Beyond government-level engagement, the two countries are dedicated to promoting the rule of law, democracy, freedom of expression, and inclusivity, with the French Embassy actively supporting women, youth, and persons with disabilities.