In this post, we digest some top stories that make up the front pages of major Nigerian newspapers on Thursday 17 October, 2024, and provide key advocacy asks.
Tragedy in Jigawa: Petrol tanker explosion kills 147 – Vanguard
TRAGEDY struck as a petrol tanker, yesterday, exploded at Majiya town, in Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, killing over 147 people, with others hospitalised.
This tragic incident in Majiya town, Jigawa State, where over 147 lives were lost in a devastating petrol tanker explosion, is a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger safety measures and public awareness. We call on the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to prioritise public education campaigns on the dangers of fuel scooping.
Also, there must be immediate efforts by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to implement stricter regulations, enforce safety protocols to prevent further loss of lives in such preventable tragedies.
Fuel price hike: Reps warn of unrest as FG, Labour meeting deadlocked – Punch
The House of Representatives on Wednesday cautioned that the recent hike in fuel pump prices could trigger social unrest.
President Bola Tinubu must urgently address the fuel pump price hike to prevent escalating social unrest and economic hardship for Nigerians.
We call on the President to engage in meaningful dialogue with labour unions and relevant stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that will ease the burden on citizens, while ensuring transparency in subsidy removal and fuel pricing.
Nigeria lost 855,629mt of crops to flooding in 2024, says FAO – The Guardian
Data from the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), showed that Nigeria lost an estimated 855,629 metric tonnes of food to flooding during this year’s wet season farming. The loss, FAO said, could have fed 8.5 million people for six months.
We call on the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to urgently implement climate-resilient agricultural policies and invest in flood control infrastructure to mitigate the devastating impact of flooding on food production.
The loss of 855,629 metric tonnes of crops in 2024, which could have fed 8.5 million people for six months, is a stark reminder of the need for immediate action.
