Headlines
Dangote refinery begins production of petrol
The facility to begin sale immediately
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The 650,000 barrels per day Dangote refinery has concluded the test production of petroleum and will begin sale immediately.
KANO FOCUS reports that this will bring much needed relief to Nigerians currently experiencing excruciation petrol scarcity in towns and cities across the country.
It was gathered that all the parameters for certifying the suitability of any refining asset have been satisfactorily ticked by the superstructure owned by Africa’s richest person, Mr Aliko Dangote.
The country despite spending billions of dollars on turnaround maintenance of its four official refineries for over two decades has been unable to get them to work.
Nigeria which consumes about 66 million litres of petrol daily on the average, currently spends a huge chunk of its budget, exceeding $10 billion by some estimates on the importation of the road fuel every year.
The development is expected to save the country several billions of dollars in foreign exchange as well as enhance the local availability of the critical fuel heavily used by businesses and homes.
In the same vein, Africa’s largest oil refining facility, is on the brink of producing significant volumes of petrol and the fuel could be made available as early as this week, Bloomberg reported on Monday.
Describing it as a landmark moment with the potential to transform the global market for the fuel, the report quoting two sources, stated that that product testing has started in earnest.
The giant new facility near the commercial hub of Lagos is on the verge of producing large amounts of the fuel and will be able to process 650,000 barrels a day of oil when at full capacity, turning more than half of that into petrol.
The ramp up is likely to be welcomed within the country, given that the state oil company — Nigeria’s main importer of fuel — said its ability to supply gasoline is being disrupted by debt and rising prices, Bloomberg stressed.
Dangote’s production is expected to impact billions of dollars of trade in fuel markets regionally and beyond as Nigeria remains a global demand sink for the fuel, receiving almost 250,000 barrels a day in shipments last year, mostly from Europe, according to data from analytics firm Vortexa Ltd.
Key to the plant’s petrol output is a unit called a reformer, which produces blendstock for the road fuel. That has started operating, with petrol production expected to begin by the end of the week, one of the people told the international news agency. Another said petrol would be rolled out this week.
At full rates, the refinery is expected to be able to produce about 330,000 barrels a day of petrol, according to Randy Hurburun, senior refinery analyst at consultancy Energy Aspects Ltd. That’s more than 1 per cent of global demand for the road fuel, which is about 27 million barrels a day.
Still, those volumes are a long way off, with Energy Aspects forecasting about 90,000 barrels a day of production in the fourth quarter, increasing to almost 250,000 in the second half of next year. Key to raising output further is another unit called a residue fluid catalytic cracker.
The refinery has been gradually ramping up after years of delays. The plant’s owner, Aliko Dangote, said in July the plant was aiming to start petrol production from August.
In response to questions about the various steps involved in ramping up gasoline output, a spokesman for Dangote told Bloomberg “we are on track”.
In the same vein, a Reuters report said on Monday that the refinery had begun processing petrol after delays caused by recent crude shortages, quoting an executive of the company.
The $20 billion refinery began operations in January with output of products including naphtha and jet fuel. The refinery promises to ease oil producer Nigeria’s costly reliance on imported oil products.
“We are testing the product (petrol) and subsequently it will start flowing into the product tanks,” said Devakumar Edwin, a vice president at Dangote Industries Limited. He did not however say exactly when the petrol would hit the local market.
Edwin said state-oil firm, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Nigeria’s sole importer of petrol, would buy the product exclusively.
“If no one is buying it, we will export it as we have been exporting our aviation jet fuel and diesel,” Edwin said.
The delivery of petrol into the Nigerian market will ease NNPC’s struggle to supply the local market. The company is reeling with debts of $6 billion to oil traders for supply since January, Reuters reported.
This has affected its ability to supply the local market where fuel queues have persisted since July.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed concern over what it described as a disturbing pattern of judicial pronouncements across Nigeria, calling on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to urgently intervene.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the movement’s spokesperson, Dr. Habibu Sale Mohammed, cited a recent judgment delivered by Justice Bello Kawu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, in a matter involving the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as part of a growing trend of controversial court rulings.
According to the statement, such developments are not isolated but reflect a broader pattern in which judicial actions appear to overstep constitutional boundaries, generate conflicting orders, and raise concerns about neutrality, due process, and adherence to the rule of law.
The movement noted that similar judicial interventions have occurred in the internal affairs of major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC), often resulting in confusion, factional disputes, and weakened party structures.
It also expressed concern over what it described as a growing tendency for courts of coordinate jurisdiction to issue conflicting rulings on similar matters, entertain cases already under appellate review, and, in some instances, disregard principles of fair hearing and procedural integrity.
The statement warned that such trends could erode established legal doctrines, including stare decisis, thereby undermining the consistency and predictability of the legal system.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement further stated that the situation is fueling public perception that elements within the judiciary are being drawn into political contests, which could weaken confidence in the courts.
“This is a dangerous trajectory for any democracy, particularly in a country preparing for critical electoral contests,” the statement said.
The group warned that if the trend continues, it could erode trust in democratic institutions, escalate political tensions, and undermine the credibility of future elections.
It therefore called on opposition parties to unite in resisting what it described as any abuse of the judiciary aimed at undermining democratic opposition in the country.
The movement also urged stakeholders to explore lawful and peaceful measures, including engaging civil society, raising international awareness, and organising legitimate public protests where necessary.
It specifically called on the National Judicial Council to review and address concerns surrounding conflicting and controversial judicial decisions, while urging judicial officers to uphold professionalism, fairness, and due process.
The statement also cautioned political actors against resorting to forum shopping and judicial manipulation in resolving internal party disputes.
The Kwankwasiyya Movement reaffirmed its commitment to defending democratic values and advocating for a system where the rule of law prevails, justice is impartial, and the will of the people is respected.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Government has approved a modified Sallah durbar for the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, ahead of the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
KANO FOCUS reports that the approval was contained in a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision followed credible intelligence reports received through the State Security Council, indicating attempts by some individuals to create confusion and disrupt law and order during the festive period.
The government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, reiterated its commitment to preserving Kano’s rich cultural heritage but stressed that it would not compromise its constitutional responsibility to maintain peace and safeguard lives and property.
Following consultations with the Kano Emirate Council and other stakeholders, the government outlined specific arrangements for the celebrations.
It stated that the traditional Hawan Idi (Eid Durbar) would be conducted by the Emir from the Kofar Mata Eid Praying Ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, terminating at Kofar Fatalwa within the Emir’s Palace.
The Hawan Nasarawa procession, the statement added, would take place in a modified form without the use of horses.
However, the government announced the suspension of Hawan Daushe, Hawan Fanisau, and Hawan Dorayi, noting that they would be observed during subsequent Sallah celebrations.
The government directed all security agencies to intensify surveillance, ensure strict compliance with the directives, and take necessary measures to prevent any breach of peace before, during, and after the celebrations.
It also urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information.
The government commended security agencies for their professionalism and dedication, assuring the public of its commitment to a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
It also extended best wishes to Muslims in the state for a peaceful and joyous Sallah celebration.
Bosede Olufunmi
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 1,889 personnel across Kano State to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhance safety during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Kano Sector Commander, Idris Mohammed-Lawal, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by the corps’ Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran.
According to the statement, the special patrol operations will run from Tuesday to Sunday, with the aim of reducing road crashes, fatalities, and injuries, while ensuring free flow of traffic across the state.
Mohammed-Lawal said the deployment comprises 1,348 regular marshals and 541 special marshals who will maintain 24-hour patrol operations across the 44 local government areas of the state.
He explained that the operation would be supported by five ambulances, one heavy-duty tow truck, and 25 patrol vehicles to ensure prompt rescue services and quick clearance of obstructions on the roads.
The sector commander added that enforcement efforts would focus on common traffic violations, including speeding, dangerous overtaking, lane indiscipline, overloading, use of mobile phones while driving, seat-belt violations, and use of mechanically deficient vehicles.
He further stated that the corps would collaborate with other security and emergency agencies to ensure effective traffic control and rapid response to incidents.
“These include the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency,” he said.
Mohammed-Lawal urged motorists and members of the public to report crashes or emergencies through the FRSC toll-free number 122 or 0700-CALL-FRSC.
He also wished Muslims a peaceful Eid-el-Fitr celebration and advised motorists to obey traffic regulations, avoid speeding, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.
Kwankwasiyya movement raises concern over judicial rulings, urges NJC intervention
Kano Govt approves modified Sallah Durbar for Emir Sanusi
FRSC deploys 1,889 personnel in Kano for Eid-el-Fitr operations
Federal Fire Service saves N560m property in swift response to Kano truck yard outbreak
FRSC sensitises Kano drivers, transport unions on road safety ahead of Sallah
Kwaru Foundation Provides Free Eye Care to Over 1,100 Residents in Kano
K-SAFE commends Kano for timely school census, inclusion of non-formal education data
Kano to distribute 16,906 desks to primary schools in 13 LGAs
Kano disseminates 2024/2025 schools census report, records progress in girls’ enrolment
