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ActionAid Nigeria Demands Immediate Action on Fuel Price Increases, Calls for Economic Reform

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ActionAid Nigeria Demands Immediate Action on Fuel Price Increases, Calls for Economic Reform

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the latest hike in pump price of petroleum products, demanding immediate action from the government on economic reform

The Non Governmental Organisation said increasing the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 was never enough to bring economic succour

ActionAid, in a statement on Wednesday signed by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu asked that: “The Federal Government must prioritise the welfare of Nigerian Citizens over revenue generation and provide a comprehensive plan to protect vulnerable citizens and support small businesses within 48 hours. This plan must include measures to mitigate the impact of high fuel prices on the poor and vulnerable.”

Mamedu lamented that: “Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the removal of fuel subsidies has led to a harsh economic reality for many Nigerians. Despite efforts to recover, the Federal Government’s decision to allow fuel prices to surge again has worsened the situation, leading to a ripple effect on the economy.

“In May 2023, just before President Tinubu’s inauguration, petrol prices were already high at N185 per litre, causing widespread discontent among Nigerians due to the accompanying high cost of goods. However, on his first day in office, fuel prices skyrocketed to N500 per litre, leading to a sharp surge in the prices of essential commodities.

“Since then, fuel prices have continued to rise steadily. By August 2023, it reached N626.70 and continued to fluctuate, surmounting N668.3 in January 2024 and N770.54 in July 2024. As of September 2024, it has increased again to a staggering N897 per litre, which greatly worsens the situation for many Nigerians.”

He noted that: “Clearly, Nigeria’s fuel pricing is heavily influenced by the dollar-to-naira exchange rate due to the country’s reliance on imported fuel, which is denominated in US dollars (USD). Consequently, a depreciation of the naira against the dollar leads to higher fuel import costs, resulting in increased prices at the pump as well.

“This direct correlation between exchange rates and fuel prices makes Nigeria’s fuel pricing vulnerable to exchange rate fluctuations. Any changes in the dollar-to-naira rate will have a ripple effect on fuel import costs, ultimately impacting the prices consumers pay at the pump, and highlighting the need for a more stable exchange rate to mitigate the volatility in fuel pricing.”

He added that: “It is one thing to fix an impending problem of inflation in the economy, and it is another thing to provide temporary solutions to keep the mouths of Nigerians shut. Although the minimum wage has increased from N30,000 to N70,000, it fails to address the root causes of inflation and does little to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians, who continue to bear the brunt of skyrocketing commodity prices, particularly fuel costs. We need a comprehensive and sustainable solution, not just a quick fix to silence the masses.”

On the latest increase, Mamedu said: “ActionAid Nigeria strongly condemns this development, which will push millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty. We demand transparency in fuel pricing, including a clear breakdown of costs and revenues associated with fuel imports, refining, and distribution. The Federal Government must provide a detailed explanation of the fuel pricing mechanism to ensure accountability and trust.

“To address the root causes of this crisis, we also demand the establishment of an independent committee to monitor fuel pricing and ensure transparency. This committee must include representatives from civil society, the private sector, and government agencies. Additionally, the Federal Government must invest in Nigerian refineries and provide targeted support to vulnerable citizens and small businesses affected by fuel price increases.”

He said: “Concurrently, the Federal Government must implement a comprehensive economic reform plan as soon as possible, including measures to diversify the economy, increase foreign exchange earnings, and stabilize the naira. This plan should include specific targets and timelines for reducing inflation, improving foreign investment, and promoting local production. We demand transparency and regular progress updates to ensure accountability and build trust with the citizens.”

Mamedu warned that: “ActionAid Nigeria will hold the government accountable for their actions and demand a better future for all Nigerians. We will take all necessary actions to ensure that the government is held accountable to Nigerian citizens.”

ActionAid Nigeria Demands Immediate Action on Fuel Price Increases, Calls for Economic Reform

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Troops neutralise eight terrorists in failed ambush operation in Borno

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Troops neutralise eight terrorists in failed ambush operation in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade (21 SAB), in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hybrid forces, have neutralised eight suspected terrorists during an ambush operation in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

A military source told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 2:06 a.m. on April 1 around the Gadangari axis, behind Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Bama.

The source said the troops conducted a planned ambush targeting suspected Boko Haram terrorists and their logistics collaborators operating around the area.

“While lying in wait, the troops intercepted terrorists’ collaborators and logistics suppliers moving towards Yale axis,” the source said.

He added that the troops engaged the targets in a brief exchange of fire, resulting in the neutralisation of eight terrorists, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.

The source further noted that follow-up operations were ongoing to track fleeing elements and dismantle their logistics networks in the area.

He assured that the situation remained under control, with troops maintaining aggressive posture in the general area.

Troops neutralise eight terrorists in failed ambush operation in Borno

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Troops rescue two teenage boys escaping suspected terrorist camp in Borno

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Troops rescue two teenage boys escaping suspected terrorist camp in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 25 Brigade, operating from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, have rescued two teenage boys who reportedly escaped from a suspected terrorist camp in Dusula.

A military source told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 10:00 a.m. on April 1 after the village head of Azir alerted troops to the arrival of two minors in the community under suspicious circumstances.

The source said troops immediately mobilised to the village and apprehended the boys, who were later taken to the Forward Operating Base for interrogation.

He identified the teenagers as Abuna Yammadu Kala, 15, and Abulkaka Yammadu Kala, 10.

According to preliminary interrogation, the boys reportedly disclosed that they recently escaped from a suspected terrorist camp located in Dusula.

The source said the children stated that they fled the camp due to harsh conditions and fear for their lives.

He added that the minors have been moved for profiling and further necessary action.

Troops rescue two teenage boys escaping suspected terrorist camp in Borno

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Troops arrest three suspected terrorists in Adamawa, foil alleged attack plan on Mubi barracks

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Troops arrest three suspected terrorists in Adamawa, foil alleged attack plan on Mubi barracks

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 232 Battalion (Tactical), in collaboration with professional hunters, have arrested three suspected terrorists during a cordon-and-search operation in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

A military source told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 1:15 a.m. on April 1 in Angwan Rami general area based on credible human intelligence on terrorist activities.

The source said the troops apprehended three suspects identified as Ado John, 27; Umaru Yunusa, 22; and Alhaji Saleh Mamman Ibrahim, 44.

He added that preliminary investigation confirmed the suspects to be members of terrorist elements operating in the area.

According to him, one of the suspects, Alhaji Saleh Mamman Ibrahim, who was previously documented as a repentant terrorist, allegedly confessed to participating in the attack on Ngoshe in Borno State.

The source further disclosed that the suspect also admitted to acting as a double agent and allegedly planning an attack on Mubi barracks with the intention of carting away weapons.

He said the suspects are currently in the custody of 232 Battalion for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.

He reaffirmed the commitment of security forces to sustain ongoing operations aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action in the North-East.

Troops arrest three suspected terrorists in Adamawa, foil alleged attack plan on Mubi barracks

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