Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns.
1. Daily Trust: Questions over Port Harcourt Refinery Shutdown after $1.5billion Rehabilitation
The announcement of the shutdown of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) otherwise known as Port Harcourt Refinery by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has continued to generate angry reactions from industry stakeholders and analysts who reiterated calls for a full privatisation of the government-owned refineries to achieve efficiency and optimisation in the operation of the refineries.
Our Take: We call on the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Bashir Ojulari, and the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri to provide clear answers to Nigerians on the rationale behind the shutdown of the Port Harcourt refinery despite the $1.5 billion rehabilitation.
2. The Guardian: Despite N7trillion Subsidy Savings, States Fail to Cushion Hardship, Hunger
Two years after President Bola Tinubu’s May 2023 decision to end subsidies on premium motor spirit (petrol), the federal government may have saved at least N7 trillion, but the unintended consequences triggered by sharp inflation and impact on vulnerable households and small businesses continue to linger.
Our Take: We call on President Tinubu to be transparent about the utilisation of subsidy savings and explain to Nigerians why it is not being used to address the harsh economic realities facing citizens.
3. Vanguard: Anti-Tinubu Coalition: Atiku, Obi, Others Shop for Platform
Vanguard reports that the coalition of opposition parties has continued their search for the platform to use in its efforts to realise its objective of defeating President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2027 general election.
Our Take: As political alliances take shape ahead of the 2027 elections, we call on citizens to stay vigilant, demand clarity on the vision and values of any emerging coalition, and actively engage in the democratic process to ensure that their voices and interests, not just political ambitions, shape the future of Nigeria.
