Connect with us

Business

PIA Amendments: Group Vows Nationwide Protest Against FG’s Attempt to Sell Critical Assets

Published

on

PIA Amendments: Group Vows Nationwide Protest Against FG’s Attempt to Sell Critical Assets

 

The National Rebirth Movement (NRM) has vowed to mobilise Nigerians for nationwide protests against what it described as a dangerous plot by the federal government to amend the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and sell off critical national assets.

In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, Comrade James Jonah Gbudu, president of the movement, accused Finance Minister Wale Edun of spearheading moves that would strip the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of its backbone and hand over the country’s oil wealth to cronies.

“These amendments are the handiwork of Wale Edun, who appears to think he will be in government forever. Nigerians must rise against this kind of individual mentality and the planned return of the Obasanjo/Atiku era that sold off critical national assets. This time, they want to sell everything to their friends and render the NNPCL naked,” Gbudu said.

The NRM president said the movement would not fold its arms while government policies mortgage the nation’s future. He described the PIA, passed into law in 2021 after two decades of delay, as one of the few reforms that provided a clear framework for the oil and gas sector.

The group said it believes President Bola Tinubu may not be aware of the move to amend the PIA and sell off public assets.

“It is barely four years since the PIA came into effect, and instead of strengthening it, this government wants to dismantle its safeguards. Our national oil company, which should be a source of pride and revenue for all Nigerians, is being targeted for stripping under the guise of reforms. We believe President Bola Tinubu may not be fully aware of the implications of this move, but Nigerians will not be passive while their future is auctioned,” he said.

Gbudu recalled how past privatisations failed to deliver value to citizens, saying they mainly enriched a few politically connected businessmen. He warned that repeating that pattern in the oil sector would deepen poverty and unemployment.

“The Obasanjo/Atiku era taught us bitter lessons. NEPA was sold, yet Nigerians are still in darkness. Refineries were left comatose while billions are spent on fuel imports. We will not allow another cycle of deception,” he declared.

Instead of amending the PIA to pave the way for asset sales, Gbudu urged the government to focus on transparency and accountability within the NNPCL.

“What Nigerians want is openness. We want to know the real figures, the contracts, the daily production, the inflows and outflows. That is what will build trust and efficiency. Selling off assets to friends of those in government will only deepen corruption and rob the country of future revenues,” he added.

The NRM leader said the group has begun consultations with civil society organisations, labour unions, student groups and community leaders to resist the proposed changes.

“We are ready to lead Nigerians to the streets if necessary. This is not just about oil, it is about the survival of our commonwealth. If they insist on amending the PIA to sell off our assets, we will mobilise nationwide protests,” Gbudu warned.

Business

This is sabotage,’ Netizens berate PENGASSAN’s decision to cut gas supply to Dangote Refinery

Published

on

Civil Society in Edo Clears Air on Auchi Crash, Says Dangote Cement Truck Was Not at Fault

This is sabotage,’ Netizens berate PENGASSAN’s decision to cut gas supply to Dangote Refinery

The move by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to cut gas supply to the Dangote Refinery has ignited outrage across Nigeria, with many citizens accusing the union of sabotage and selfishness at the expense of ordinary Nigerians who are yearning for cheaper fuel and stability in supply.
Controversy broke out after reports circulated that Dangote Refinery had allegedly laid off Nigerian workers under the guise of “reorganization” just hours after mass unionisation efforts were initiated within the company. Dangote Refinery has since refuted the claim staying that over 3,000 Nigerian workers are actively employed at the Refinery.
In response, PENGASSAN threatened to wield its influence by cutting gas supply to the Refinery, which can potentially affect the uninterrupted supply of fuel enjoyed by Nigerians since the Dangote Refinery started production over a year ago.
But rather than win public sympathy, PENGASSAN has come under fire from Nigerians online, who see the refinery as a glimmer of hope in an industry long plagued by scarcity, inflated costs, and corruption.
Many netizens insisted that unions like PENGASSAN and NUPENG have historically contributed little to the welfare of the average citizen, yet are quick to resist reforms that reduce their hold on the sector.
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtags around Dangote and PENGASSAN trended for hours, with Nigerians pouring out their frustrations through humour, sarcasm, and biting commentary.
Oluwakayode (@Oluwakayode77) wrote: “Every institution that has taken it upon itself to be barbaric and wicked will be dealt with by the progress and development of this nation. Nigerians are no longer your pawns.”
Solihull Abdulkareem (@SolihullAbdul) asked bluntly: “PENGASSAN or whatever, do you want the market to remain monopoly? You’ve been doing what you want for many years. It’s time for change, just accept it and move forward.”
Okunwa U. U. Azikiwe (@OkunwaUUazikiwe) argued: “Unionism either dies a natural death or continues to exist as a means to siphon resources from the people. Nigerians are tired of this sabotage and we will resist it.”
Temidayo (@Temidayo) queried: “What benefits has your union provided for Nigerians? Middlemen syndrome has been the room for corruption. Instead of sabotaging, why not collaborate? If Dangote can do it, you can buy shares and contribute too.”
LegalTech Sam Akanbi (@SamAkanbi) teased: “Nigerians no longer want your Nigerian gift, we want the Greek gift. If you have a better offer, we’d abandon Dangote’s and take yours. But for now, let the Greek gift go round.”
Habdulakeem Bahdmus (@BahdmusHabdulakeem) mocked: “If Dangote is showering Nigerians with Greek gift, PENGASSAN can also set up a Roman gift now.”
Curtis Abbi (@CurtisAbbi) slammed the union’s credibility: “Nigerians will manage the Greek gift. @pengassan what gift have you given Nigerians in your entire years of existence? Stop playing the victim.”
Akin Adejola (@AkinAdejola) echoed the sentiment: “LOL. Nigerians don’t mind the gift. If you truly care, surprise us with the same ‘Greek gift.’ Otherwise, leave progress alone. We know the real enemies of development in the oil & gas sector.”
Adeola Akinwande (@adeolarewaju9) criticised union leaders: “Does PENGASSAN remember Nigerians at hard times? They have all failed Nigerians the same way the NLC has failed. Unionism in this country is just a cash-out for excos. They should stop the crocodile tears.”
Others steered the debate back to pragmatism. Femi Yekinni (@FemiYekinni) wrote: “We thank them for their advice. Now, @DangoteGroup, pls how do we schedule deliveries to Badagry? Nigerians are ready for cheaper fuel.”
It will be recalled that PENGASSAN accused Dangote of frustrating collective bargaining rights and discouraging staff from joining the union. Dangote, however, denies these claims, insisting that union membership remains voluntary and that its operations are designed to cut costs and ease supply pressures for Nigerians.
The federal government, through the Ministry of Labour and the Department of State Services (DSS), is reportedly monitoring the situation to mediate between both parties.
For now, the voice of Nigerians online remains clear; they want fuel relief, they want competition, and they want a refinery that works. To many, PENGASSAN’s decision is nothing short of sabotage.
Continue Reading

Business

IMPACT CITY NIGERIA Steps into Car Repairs and Maintenance, Promises to Restore Trust in the Industry

Published

on

*IMPACT CITY NIGERIA Steps into Car Repairs and Maintenance, Promises to Restore Trust in the Industry

 

In Nigeria’s often unpredictable business climate, some companies not only survive but thrive, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. One such company is IMPACT CITY NIGERIA, which has spent nearly a decade making its mark in the logistics and haulage sector. Known for its reliability in moving goods and managing fleets, the company is now taking a bold step into an entirely new arena — car repairs, maintenance, and advisory services.

For years, IMPACT CITY NIGERIA has built a reputation for efficiency in keeping its fleet of lorries and cars in top condition. According to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nnamdi Jerry Ozor, the decision to diversify into the automotive repair space was not a sudden one but the natural next chapter in their story.

“We have been in the logistics and haulage ecosystem for years and have gained a deep understanding of everything that comes with it — from procuring vehicles to delivering goods and maintaining them,” Ozor said, speaking at a recent media briefing. “Over time, we built strong internal systems to keep our trucks and cars in good shape. Today, we feel it’s time to share that expertise with the public and contribute to solving some of the pressing issues in car repairs and maintenance.”

Ozor’s remarks touch on a problem familiar to most Nigerian car owners: the struggle to find competent and honest mechanics. He lamented the way a lack of skilled technicians and transparent practices has created frustration and distrust among vehicle owners.

“With the shortage of competent mechanics and the difficulty clients face in getting the truth about their car’s condition, we believe our approach will be a game-changer,” he said. “We’ve always been known for our integrity in the logistics business, and that is exactly what we want to bring into the car repair space.”

IMPACT CITY NIGERIA’s entry into the automotive sector aims to do more than just fix cars. The company wants to change the relationship between car owners and service providers. Ozor explained that their new venture will focus on creating an experience where customers can feel confident about the quality of work done on their vehicles. He emphasized that trust and professionalism will sit at the heart of their operations.

What sets the company apart, he noted, is its willingness to put transparency first. From clear communication about costs to providing customers with reliable updates during the repair process, IMPACT CITY NIGERIA hopes to eliminate the guesswork that often plagues car owners when they hand over their keys.

Beyond repairs, the company also plans to offer advisory services, helping customers make better decisions about vehicle purchases, long-term maintenance plans, and overall fleet management. For Ozor, this is about filling a gap in the market and providing a service that empowers clients, rather than leaving them feeling uncertain or misled.

“This isn’t just about opening another auto repair shop,” he said. “It’s about changing the culture around car maintenance in Nigeria. We want to create a system where honesty and competence go hand in hand — where people know they are getting value for their money.”

As IMPACT CITY NIGERIA takes this new step, industry observers believe its track record in logistics gives it an advantage. Years of keeping heavy-duty trucks and vehicles roadworthy have equipped the company with both the technical expertise and the operational discipline to succeed in the automotive repair business.

For many Nigerian car owners weary of the stress and anxiety that often come with vehicle repairs, IMPACT CITY NIGERIA’s entry into the sector may bring a breath of fresh air. By combining its reputation for integrity with a strong focus on professionalism, the company hopes to build trust and set new standards in an industry that has long been in need of reform.

In the words of Ozor, “Our goal is simple — to make car repairs and maintenance something people can rely on, not something they dread. We’ve built a name for ourselves in logistics by staying true to our values, and we intend to carry that same ethos into this new venture.”

With this move, IMPACT CITY NIGERIA is not merely expanding its business horizons; it is stepping forward to transform an industry that touches millions of lives every day, promising a future where car owners can finally feel at ease when their vehicles need attention.

@Impactcitylogistics.ng

IMPACT CITY NIGERIA Steps into Car Repairs and Maintenance, Promises to Restore Trust in the Industry

Continue Reading

Bank

FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

Published

on

FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers

 

Lagos, 23 September 2025 – FirstBank, the premier West African bank and a leading financial inclusion service provider, is set to introduce tailored financial services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its operations.

This initiative is part of FirstBank’s broader continuous commitment to promoting Financial Inclusion and Diversity, which is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 41%:59%; and 37% women in management roles) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase the participation of women at all levels within the organisation.  In addition, the Bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs) ─ Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.

FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers
 

Commenting on the proposed launch, the Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor, said, “Everyone deserves access to financial services whether physically or digitally. We recognise this, and we are providing financial services that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints. We are making it possible for them to manage their accounts independently and securely.”

The initiative will be implemented in phases across all subsidiaries and locations of the FirstBank Group. Transaction documents will be made available in braille, audio, large print, and digital formats. ATMs will be upgraded with high-contrast screens and voice-prompt commands, while cards issued will feature tactile motifs and braille inscriptions for easy recognition. Already existing soft PINs and tokens would be enhanced to boost secure access to banking channels. Product brochures will also be made available in braille and audio formats to support customer understanding and engagement.

FirstBank’s efforts align with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which advocate equal access to financial services.

With this initiative, FirstBank is shaping a future where every individual, regardless of physical ability, can manage their financial affairs without third-party assistance. By embedding accessibility into its core operations, the Bank is setting a new standard for ethical, inclusive, and impactful banking.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending