In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Monday, 16 September, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.

400m budgeted for Alau Dam in 4yrs – Daily Trust

Defects in Alau Dam in Maiduguri which were discovered over nine years ago are reportedly responsible for the overflow of the dam, which resulted in the recent massive flood that submerged parts of metropolitan area of the Borno State capital, and also parts of Jere Local Government Area.

The recent flooding caused by defects in Alau Dam, despite a budget of 400 million Naira allocated over the past four years, highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in public infrastructure projects.

We urge the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to promptly disclose the use of allocated funds, conduct a thorough audit of the dam’s rehabilitation efforts, and ensure that those responsible for any mismanagement face consequences.

Petrol Supply: NNPCL, Dangote Refinery disagree over pricing – Vanguard

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and Dangote Refinery yesterday disagreed over the pricing of the petrol to be supplied by the refinery.

We call on the NNPCL to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by ensuring that the petrol pricing agreement with Dangote Refinery is fair, transparent, and geared towards making fuel affordable for all citizens.

NNPCL should commit to working with all stakeholders to establish a pricing framework that reflects the realities of the people.

Tinubu gives ministers 1,200 bags of rice each as palliatives for distribution – The Guardian

As part of efforts to alleviate the increasing food scarcity and hunger in the land, President Bola Tinubu has provided 1,200 bags of rice to each of his ministers for onward distribution to vulnerable members of the society. 

While the provision of rice to vulnerable citizens is a commendable immediate response, we urge President Tinubu to implement a sustainable, long-term strategy to address food scarcity and hunger in Nigeria.

Beyond distributing palliatives, the government should focus on improving agricultural productivity, investing in food storage and distribution infrastructure, and supporting local farmers through subsidies and innovative technologies.

Presidential Initiative Signs Deals with 75 Firms to Expand Use of Gas-Powered Vehicles Nationwide – ThisDayLive

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), a scheme which seeks to expand the use of gas for fuelling vehicles in Nigeria, has signed separate deals with 75 conversion firms nationwide as part of government’s policy of reducing addiction to petrol and diesel.

We call on the government for a swift implementation of this initiative by providing adequate infrastructure, incentives for vehicle conversion, and public awareness campaigns to enable Nigerians to transition seamlessly to gas-powered vehicles, reduce fuel costs, and ultimately ensuring that all citizens benefit.