Economy
Price of 12.5kg cooking gas soars to N8,500
—-as marketers warn it may hit N10,000 by December
The price of the 12.5 kilogramme of Liquefied Petroleum Gas,( LPG) or cooking gas, has continued to soar in an unprecedented manner as it has now hit N8,500 in many parts of the country.
This was despite the Federal Government’s plan to make the product appealing to the common man.
The government earlier this year launched the National Gas Expansion Programme,( NGEP,) to drive increased utilisation of gas as a better alternative for petroleum fuel for homes, industries and automobiles.
The 12kg of LPG sold for N7,000 in September and below N4,000 last year.
The high price of the product since about three months ago is caused by a supply gap following a drop in importation as the government imposed an import tax on cargo arriving in the country.
Of the 1.2 million metric tonnes, MT, of the product required for consumption in the country, the Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNG, supplies about 450,000MT while independent marketers supply 750,000MT through imports.
The Federal Government’s GEP was designed to make gas more attractive and accessible to the masses, thereby increasing its usage for cooking, transportation, and in industries.
However, despite this plan, prices of cooking gas have kept soaring in recent months, from about N3,500 last December to between N8,000 and N8,500 as at October, this month.
Investigations showed that the landing cost of the product has since skyrocketed as a result of a recent crisis in the foreign exchange market and the imposition of a new tax.
The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, (PPPRA), said out of the 85,264.80MT of LPG consumed in the country in August, 38,040.46MT were imported.
This puts the level of importation at 55.39 per cent versus 44.61 per cent supplied locally.
Further data showed that 21,606.30MT was imported from the United States, while 13,044.266 was imported from Algeria and 12,573.779MT was brought in from Equatorial Guinea.
Recent reports had marketers warning that the price of 12.5kg of the product could hit N10,000 by December if pending concerns were not addressed.
Marketers have debunked inflating prices, passing the buck of rising prices to the NLNG.
On the other hand, the NLNG claimed that marketers lacked enough infrastructure to take up its cooking gas supply, a claim also refuted by the marketers.
The Marketing Manager, NLNG, Austin Ogbogbo, had said: “NLNG has grown its capacity from 50,000 metric tonnes per annum to 450,000 metric tonnes per annum of LPG in the past 14 years.
“Nigeria needs 1.2 million metric tonnes per annum, but even the 450,000 we produce cannot be absorbed by the market’s current infrastructure.”
When asked if the NLNG’s position was true, the National Chairman, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association of Nigeria, Michael Umudu, replied in the negative.
He said: “Marketers have the capacity to absorb the 1.2 million metric tonnes annually and this figure will continue to increase.
“Marketers have the capacity; rather, the challenges of the NLNG have to do with logistics. Many depots use to be empty for months; so, why should they say marketers don’t have capacity?”
According to Ubuntu, storage of cooking gas does not end in the midstream facilities, with inland facilities such as gas plants and retail outlets having more storage capacities.
“This is how it works: LPG is discharged in a depot, and LPG trucks are ready to load products to plants. From the plants, retailers refill their cylinders and store in their shops while end-users buy.
“This means that a depot of 5,000MT storage capacity can do a turnover of 15,000MT a month or even more. So, looking at the estimated 1.2 million MT yearly demand, it shows that if NLNG supplies only 100,000MT a month, then the 1.2 million MT target is met,” he said.
He added: “If the depot of 5,000MT storage capacity can do 15,000MT a month, then calculating other depots with even much more capacities and multiplying by three for a month turnover, you will realise that these depots would do up to 150,000MT monthly.
“And going by the 1.2 million MT annual consumption demand, we only consume about 100,000MT a month. So why should NLNG say there is not enough storage?”
The gas retailers’ chairman noted that the NLNG or any other supplier did not need to supply the annual need at once, adding that this was why he called for the improvement of logistics by the LPG producer.
“With respect to logistics, if they (NLNG) can adapt to compatible vessels and engage enough of the vessels, then more than 1.2 million MT annual estimate would be conveniently met,” Umudu added.
Reacting to the position of the marketers, the spokesperson of the NLNG, Eyono Fatayi-Williams, said the gas firm could only give 450,000MT at the moment to the domestic market.
She also observed that there were challenges with logistics, such as the delay of vessels at the Lagos port, but stressed that the NLNG was doing its best to deliver its part in the supply of cooking gas.
She explained that in 2007, Nigeria could only produce 50,000MT of LPG and that the NLNG was asked to intervene, stressing that the gas firm was primarily set up for export.
“Between 2007 and now, because we have guaranteed supply, the market has grown. Today, Nigeria can take over one million tonnes of cooking gas,” Fatayi-William said.
She added: “The maximum production we have of cooking gas is 450,000 metric tonnes annually and the market did over a million metric tonnes last year.
“Also, when we talk about logistics, the maximum amount we can now give, which is the maximum production volume, is less than what the entire country needs. We are not the only producer of LPG but we can only give 450,000MT.”
Economy
FOU A seizes N3.95bn worth of Illicit drugs, mercury, hands over to NDLEA, NESREA
Funso OLOJO, Editor
The Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has intercepted illicit drugs and other prohibited substances with a combined duty-paid value of N3.951 billion along trans-border routes within its area of operations.
The seizures, which included thousands of parcels of cannabis, tramadol tablets, codeine syrup and crystal methamphetamine, were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
The Unit also seized four cylinders of high-grade mercury, weighing 34.5kg each, allegedly intended for use in illegal gold mining.
The mercury was subsequently handed over to the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Addressing journalists at the Unit’s headquarters in Lagos on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, the Controller of FOU Zone A, Comptroller Gambo Aliu, said the seizures were the outcome of intelligence-driven operations and sustained surveillance along the nation’s trans-border routes.
Among the narcotics seized were 5,669 parcels and 19 sacks of synthetic cannabis sativa weighing 3,116.9kg; three-and-a-half packs of ground cannabis (Skunk) weighing 3.45kg; two packs of granulated cannabis (Skunk) weighing 1kg; and 11 small packs of granulated cannabis weighing 0.35kg.
Others were 24 packets of Backwoods Russian Cream cigars weighing 0.5kg; 49 wraps of cannabis (Skunk) weighing 26.1kg; and one wrap of crystal methamphetamine weighing 0.35kg.
The Unit also intercepted 1,754 packs and 6,948 sachets of tramadol tablets in 225mg and 100mg variants, 1,200 Hypnox tablets of 1mg each, and 97 bottles of codeine syrup.
Comptroller Aliu said the latest enforcement operation was deliberately targeted at drug-trafficking syndicates operating within the Unit’s jurisdiction, stressing that the illicit movement of narcotics and other dangerous substances posed grave threats to public health, national security and the future of Nigerian youths.
He described the handover of the seized items to the relevant agencies as evidence of the growing operational synergy among government agencies in the fight against trans-border crime.
“Today’s event is a practical demonstration of the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to national security, public health, environmental safety and the economic well-being of Nigerians.
“It also reflects the importance of strategic partnership in the fight against smuggling and other forms of trans-border crime,” Aliu said.
According to him, the Customs Service would continue to strengthen the integrity of the nation’s supply chain while supporting the NDLEA in disrupting the movement of narcotics and other illicit goods across Nigeria’s borders.
“We are equally committed to providing relevant information and supporting further investigation whenever necessary,” he added.
Aliu explained that the formal transfer of the narcotics to the NDLEA would enable the agency to undertake the necessary forensic, investigative and prosecutorial processes in accordance with the law.
He added that the procedure would also ensure that the seized drugs were handled, stored and disposed of securely and professionally.
On the mercury seizure, the FOU Controller said its transfer to NESREA would enable the agency to take appropriate regulatory and environmental action, particularly given the use of mercury in illegal mining activities.
While assuring Nigerians that the crackdown on illicit traders and trans-border criminal networks would continue, Aliu said the Unit would simultaneously facilitate legitimate trade and sustain collaboration with sister agencies.
“I wish to commend the leadership and personnel of the NDLEA and NESREA for their cooperation and professionalism.
“I also appreciate the support of all sister security and regulatory agencies whose contributions continue to strengthen our collective efforts,” he said.
Aliu warned smugglers and criminal networks that the FOU Zone A would not relent in its enforcement responsibilities.
“Let me reiterate that the Federal Operations Unit will not relent in its responsibilities. We will continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies, enhanced surveillance, effective patrols and robust enforcement operations to disrupt the activities of smugglers and criminal networks,” he declared.
Economy
Oyebamiji, ex- NIWA boss, promises economic boom for Osun residents as he targets Dagbolu Dry Port, Free Trade Zone to boost investment, jobs,SMEs
Funso Olojo Editor
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Osun State, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, has pledged to revive key economic assets, including the Dagbolu Dry Port, Osun Free Trade Zone, Ido-Osun Airport, Osun-Osogbo Grove and Oba Hills National Park, as part of a comprehensive strategy to reposition the state as a leading investment, industrial and tourism destination.
Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), made the pledge on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 while receiving members of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria during a courtesy visit to his campaign office in Osogbo.
The visit was facilitated by the Waterfront Boat Owners and Transporters Association of Nigeria (WABOTAN) in recognition of Oyebamiji’s contributions to the development of Nigeria’s inland waterways sector during his tenure at NIWA.
Addressing the journalists, the APC standard-bearer in the August 15th governorship election in Osun state,unveiled his Osun Prosperity Agenda, themed “A Pact for Growth, Inclusion and Lasting Development,” describing it as a practical blueprint for accelerating economic transformation, promoting inclusive governance and delivering sustainable development across the state.
He said unlocking the economic potential of strategic assets such as the Dagbolu Dry Port, Osun Free Trade Zone, Osun-Osogbo Grove, Oba Hills National Park and the Ido-Osun Airport would stimulate commerce, expand tourism, attract domestic and foreign investments, strengthen entrepreneurship and create sustainable employment opportunities for the people of Osun.
According to him, reviving the Dagbolu Dry Port and the Osun Free Trade Zone would improve trade facilitation, enhance logistics services and position Osun as a competitive industrial and export hub within Nigeria.
“We will resuscitate strategic economic assets that have the capacity to transform Osun’s economy, stimulate private sector investment and create wealth for our people,” Oyebamiji said.
On poverty reduction and workers’ welfare, the APC candidate promised targeted social intervention programmes for vulnerable citizens while ensuring prompt payment of salaries, improved working conditions and the restoration of dignity within the public service.
He also pledged to tackle unemployment through public works programmes, enterprise support initiatives and strategic investments capable of generating sustainable jobs, particularly for young people.
To attract more investments, Oyebamiji said his administration would strengthen the Osun State Investment Promotion Agency, develop industrial parks with modern infrastructure, improve the ease of doing business and position Osun among Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations.
He further assured micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) of improved access to microcredit, grants and business development services, while expanding entrepreneurship and empowerment programmes for youths and women.
On education and healthcare, Oyebamiji promised to modernise educational infrastructure, recruit and train teachers, strengthen technical and vocational education, expand apprenticeship programmes and upgrade healthcare facilities across the state.
He added that strategic partnerships would be leveraged to advance universal health coverage and improve access to quality healthcare for all residents.
Reaffirming his commitment, Oyebamiji said the Prosperity Agenda represents a covenant with the people of Osun to deliver economic growth, social inclusion and lasting development through prudent leadership, strategic investments and private sector-driven development.
Speaking earlier, President of WABOTAN, Comrade Tope Fajemirokun, described Oyebamiji as a tested and result-oriented administrator whose achievements at NIWA demonstrated his capacity for effective governance.
Fajemirokun expressed confidence that, under Oyebamiji’s leadership, Osun State could emerge as a major player in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy by harnessing its tourism assets, including the Osun-Osogbo Grove and Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls, to drive maritime tourism, investment and economic growth.
Economy
News Alert! Tinubu sacks Wale Edun as Finance Minister in cabinet reshuffle, appoints Taiwo Oyedele as replacement
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.According to the memo, Taiwo Oyedele has been appointed as the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.
The memo directed the outgoing ministers to complete handover processes to their respective successors or supervising officials.It stated that all handing over and taking over activities must be concluded on or before the close of business on Thursday, 23rd April, 2026.
Explaining the decision, Akume said the changes were aimed at improving coordination and strengthening delivery across key sectors of the economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Akume stated.
He added that President Tinubu acted in line with his constitutional powers as provided under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The SGF also conveyed the President’s appreciation to the outgoing ministers for their service to the nation and wished them well in their future endeavours, noting that the process of cabinet reinvigoration would remain continuous.
The statement further noted that Taiwo Oyedele was appointed as Minister of State for Finance in March 2026, while Edun was among the ministers appointed on August 16, 2023.
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