News
Concerns as gas tanker explosions claim 13 lives, many properties in one week
In the past week, separate incidents of gas tanker explosions in Rivers, Osun, and Delta States have resulted in the loss of at least 13 lives, destruction of 130 vehicles, and damage to several houses. These explosions, which have become distressingly frequent, have raised concerns among stakeholders regarding the safe transportation of petroleum products nationwide.
One particularly tragic incident occurred on April 27, where a tanker carrying petrol caused a massive blaze on the East-West Road in Rivers State, claiming the lives of five individuals, including a pregnant woman, and destroying numerous vehicles. Just hours later, another gas tanker exploded in Abeokuta, Ogun State, killing one person and injuring several others. Then, on May 4, a petroleum tanker explosion in Delta State resulted in the deaths of eight people, including a breastfeeding mother and her infant.
These incidents have prompted action from both state and federal authorities. The Nigerian Governors Forum and federal agencies are in discussions to implement safer methods of transporting petroleum products, including reviewing existing laws and enhancing pipeline infrastructure. The Federal Government has also pledged to cease granting licenses to gas companies that lack the capacity to distribute gas via pipelines, aiming to reduce the risks associated with road transportation.
Additionally, there are calls to address the issue of driver fatigue, particularly during night travels. Retired FRSC officer Danjuma Alkali suggests implementing a ban on night journeys to prevent accidents caused by exhausted drivers. He argues that such legislation would not only improve road safety but also mitigate other societal issues, including insecurity.
Overall, these tragic incidents have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive measures to enhance the safety of transporting hazardous materials and ensure the well-being of road users across Nigeria.
News
We’ll be forced to export 97% of our petrol – Dangote Refinery warns
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
News
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Round of 16 fixtures confirmed [Full list]
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
News
Nigerian Army debunks reported mass resignation of soldiers
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
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