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Reps invite minister over lingering petrol scarcity

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The House of Representatives has summoned Minister of State (Petroleum Resources) Heineken Lokpobiri to address the ongoing petrol scarcity across Nigeria. The invitation was made following a motion of urgent importance by Umar Ajilo. Relevant stakeholders in the petroleum industry have also been summoned.

Before the invitations were issued, the House expressed concerns over the difficulties Nigerians are facing due to the scarcity and the rising cost of petrol. They criticized the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) for failing to resolve the perennial fuel scarcity problem despite having sufficient resources.

Umar Ajilo highlighted the hardships faced by Nigerians, with petrol prices soaring as high as N1,200 per liter in some states. He called for immediate action by the government to address the situation permanently.

The NNPCL expressed hope that normalcy would return soon, with the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) evacuating 300 million liters of petrol from Apapa and other parts of Lagos. MEMAN believes the scarcity will end in a few days.

However, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) threatened to shut down filling stations if the Federal Government fails to pay over N200 billion owed to them from the subsidy regime era.

NNPCL stated that logistical issues caused a three-day disruption in distribution, which has since been resolved. They assured that product scarcity has been minimal, but some may be exploiting the situation for profit.

MEMAN assured the public of adequate petrol supply, with their members evacuating 300 million liters of petrol, well above normal levels.

IPMAN demanded payment of their outstanding debt and warned of a nationwide shutdown if not paid promptly.

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) denied profiteering from the scarcity, stating they sell at NNPC’s approved prices.

In Lagos, filling stations had long queues, with prices ranging from N567 to N700, while black market prices reached N1,000 per liter. Badagry was severely affected, leading to transport fare hikes.

In the Federal Capital Territory, queues were longer than usual, and prices ranged from N700 to N1,000 per liter.

Ogun Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) deployed personnel to maintain order at filling stations.

In Osun State, the Taskforce on Petroleum Price Monitoring warned against hoarding petrol, while The Osun Masterminds (TOM) called for the shutdown of schools to alleviate the suffering caused by the scarcity.

Similar situations were reported in Ondo, Rivers, Kwara, Kano, Adamawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, and Jigawa states, with pump prices ranging from N670 to N1,200 and above in black markets.

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Akwa Ibom APC Adopts Governor Umo Eno for Second Term Bid

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State has thrown its weight behind Governor Umo Eno as its candidate for the 2027 governorship election, paving the way for his second-term ambition under the ruling party.

Governor Eno, who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in 2025, formally submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms for the APC governorship primaries in early May 2026. He described the second term as necessary to complete ongoing projects and consolidate the gains of his ARISE Agenda.

Speaking after submitting the forms in Abuja, Governor Eno called on APC members to support his nomination during the primaries, expressing confidence that his administration’s developmental strides would earn him the party’s backing and the people’s mandate.

“I have just submitted the nomination form. We call on members of APC to support our nomination during the primaries, as we will continue to pray and trust God for more development to thrive in the state,” he said.

Several APC stakeholders and local government chapters in the state have already endorsed Governor Eno’s second-term bid, describing it as a move for continuity and project completion. The governor has repeatedly highlighted numerous ongoing infrastructure and developmental initiatives that require additional time to deliver maximum impact.

The development marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom, as Eno positions the state under the APC platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

Party sources indicate that the APC leadership is working towards a smooth process for the governor’s emergence as the party’s flag bearer, though the formal primaries are yet to be held.

Governor Eno was first elected in 2023 under the PDP before switching to the APC.

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Lagos Captures 6.4 Million Residents in Major Digital Identity Drive

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The Lagos State Government has successfully registered over 6.4 million residents into its digital identity database, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance governance, planning, and public service delivery.

The achievement was announced under the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) and the Lagos Identity Card Project (LAG ID). According to officials, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive, reliable database of residents to improve targeted service delivery, urban planning, and overall governance efficiency.

Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, who provided the update, described the Lagos Identity Card Project as a critical tool for the state’s digital transformation agenda. He emphasized that the captured data will support better resource allocation and more effective delivery of government services.

The exercise forms part of Lagos State’s broader push toward a digital economy, enabling smoother access to services such as healthcare, social welfare, transportation, and other citizen-centric programmes. Officials noted that the database will help in accurate planning for infrastructure and social interventions.

With Lagos being Nigeria’s most populous state, estimated to have over 20 million residents, the registration of 6.4 million people represents a substantial step forward, though authorities say efforts are ongoing to capture more residents.

The state government has reiterated its commitment to data-driven governance and urged residents yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing exercise for better inclusion in government services.

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EFCC Invasion Forces Uni. Uyo Teaching Hospital to Suspend Operations (Video)

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Operations at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) were dramatically disrupted on Wednesday after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) allegedly invaded the facility, detained some management staff, and assaulted others, prompting the hospital to suspend services.

The Chief Medical Director of UUTH, Dr. Emem Bassey, told journalists that the unannounced raid created a hostile environment, forcing the hospital management to halt clinical services to ensure the safety of both staff and patients. The Accident and Emergency Unit, however, remains operational.

Dr. Bassey expressed disappointment over the incident, noting that the hospital had maintained cordial relations with the EFCC and was fully cooperating on the matter under investigation. He revealed that the requested report had already been prepared and was awaiting his signature when the operatives arrived.

“The use of force and detention of staff was unnecessary,” Dr. Bassey said. “Dialogue would have resolved this issue peacefully.”

Professor Eyo Ekpe, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council, who was reportedly among those assaulted, described the EFCC’s action as an “unprovoked invasion.” He claimed he had shown the team leader the completed report before the situation escalated into violence.

The hospital management has called for an independent investigation into the incident and urged the EFCC to use proper channels when engaging with public institutions.

In an earlier statement, the EFCC said its operatives were attacked and trapped inside the hospital while conducting an operation linked to an ongoing fraud investigation. The case reportedly involves a suspect accused of defrauding multiple microfinance banks in Akwa Ibom State.

The development has raised concerns about the impact on healthcare delivery in the region, with patients and staff caught in the middle of the confrontation between the anti-graft agency and the hospital.

As of Thursday, normal services at the hospital remained suspended pending further resolution.

Watch Video below:

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