Economy

NNPC Retail sensitizes auto mechanics on CNG Adoption, Oleum lubricant range

The Eyewitness Reporter

As part of its efforts to accelerate the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner and more affordable fuel alternative in Nigeria, NNPC Retail Limited (NRL), a subsidiary of the NNPC Ltd, has sensitized over 1,000 auto mechanics through a comprehensive awareness initiative.

The sensitization exercise which took place at the National Artisans and Technicians Conference held recently in Lagos brought together a large audience drawn from auto mechanics and technicians from across the country.

The engagement aimed to demystify the process of converting gasoline-powered vehicles to CNG and encourage the adoption of sustainable energy solutions.

In addition to promoting the benefits of CNG conversion, NRL also raised awareness about its Oleum, its lubricant range, known for its excellent performance in both gasoline and CNG-powered vehicles.

The landmark initiative also underscores NRL’s commitment to driving the nation’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources while ensuring Nigerian artisans are well-informed about emerging trends in the automotive sector.

The conference featured practical demonstrations on the technicalities of converting vehicles from gasoline to CNG, providing the mechanics with first-hand insights into the process.

Speaking at the engagement session, the Executive Director, Retail Operations & Mobility at NRL, Baba Shettima Kukawa, encouraged the mechanics to seek out the necessary skills for CNG conversion, emphasizing that it is a growing trend that will shape the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

“We believe that sensitizing mechanics on the importance of CNG adoption is critical to achieving Nigeria’s long-term energy goals.

” While this engagement focused on raising awareness, we urge artisans to actively pursue the skills required to contribute to this transformative shift toward cleaner and more affordable fuel options.

“This initiative represents a crucial step in advancing the nation’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future,” Kukawa stated.

Responding, the Chairmen of the Motor Mechanics and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN) and the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) commended NRL for its proactive approach and called for the expansion of the initiative to include even more mechanics and technicians nationwide.

Both associations highlighted the importance of sustained efforts to further support Nigeria’s move toward cleaner energy solutions.

In support of the local automotive sector, the NRL also provided auto mechanics with coveralls, toolboxes, and generators during the event to enhance their business operations and promote sustainability.

NNPC Retail’s commitment to promoting CNG as an alternative fuel aligns with the broader strategic vision of NNPC Ltd to reduce the environmental impact of Nigeria’s energy consumption while making fuel more affordable for consumers.

Economy

Dangote group remits N402.3 billion tax to government coffers in 2024

Gloria Odion

The Pan African Conglomerate, Dangote Industries Limited and its subsidiaries, have disclosed that it paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.

Dangote’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, declared during a meeting with some senior media executives who visited him in his Lagos Office.

He said Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and its subsidiaries, namely, Dangote Cement, NASCON, Dangote Packaging Limited among others, remitted a total of N402.319billion for the out-gone year as taxes as responsible business enterprises.

Recall that Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had in late 2024 recognised Dangote group and its subsidiary, Bluestar Shipping as the most tax compliant organizations in the country during its Special Day at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The Federal Inland Revenue Service is Nigeria’s agency responsible for assessing, collecting and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Chiejina told his visitors that as a responsible business organisation, DIL and its subsidiaries have never shieded away from its obligations either to the government in the form of tax payment at all levels or to host communities in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

According to him, the Group’s corporate strategy has evolved just as its businesses have grown, matured and diversified into new sectors and regions over the last four decades.

He noted that Dangote Group has almost single-handedly taken Nigeria to self-sufficiency in cement and refined petroleum products and is expanding rapidly across Africa.

Dangote Group and its subsidiaries were recognised as number one most compliant in tax payment in the country, just as its subsidiary Dangote Cement, the country’s leading cement manufacturer, at another occasion won three awards at the FMDQ Gold Awards in Lagos as the most active business in the Foreign Exchange market.

Dangote Cement Plc was adjudged as the Largest Commercial Paper Quotation on FMDQ and Single Largest Corporate Debt Issue on FMDQ.

Also, Dangote Industries Ltd also emerged as the “Most active corporate in the foreign exchange market”.

Economy

Again, Dangote Refinery crashes petrol price from N890 to 825.

Funso OLOJO

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, by N65.00, from N890 to N825 per litre, effective from 27th February 2025.

According to the management of the Refinery, the price adjustment is is strategic designed to provide essential relief to Nigerians in anticipation of the upcoming Ramadan season.

It is also meant to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic recovery policy by alleviating the financial burden on the Nigerian populace.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has consistently lowered the prices of petrol and other refined petroleum products to the benefit of Nigerians.

The latest adjustment marks the second price reduction of PMS in February 2025, following a previous decrease of N60.00 earlier in the month.

Additionally, in December 2024, during the yuletide period, the refinery reduced the price of PMS by N70.50, from N970 to N899.50 per litre, as part of its commitment to easing the cost of living and providing relief to Nigerians during the holiday season.

“These reductions have positively impacted the overall cost of living, benefiting various sectors of the economy, and have also ensured that Nigerians did not experience the perennial fuel scarcity and price hikes typically associated with the yuletide season” the local refiner stated.

“Nigerians will be able to purchase the high-quality Dangote petrol at the following prices in all our partners’ retail outlets.

” For MRS Holdings stations, it will sell for N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 per litre in the South-West, N880 per litre in the North, and N890 per litre in the South-South and South-East respectively.

“The same product will also be available at the following prices in AP (Ardova Petroleum) and Heyden stations: N865 per litre in Lagos, N875 per litre in the South-West, N885 per litre in the North, and N895 per litre in the South-South and South-East.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery assures the public of a consistent supply of petroleum products, with sufficient reserves to meet domestic demand, as well as a surplus for export to enhance the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

” The company calls on marketers to support this initiative, ensuring that Nigerians remain the primary beneficiaries of this effort.

“This collective action will contribute to the broader economic recovery plan led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is committed to making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and establishing the country as a leading oil export hub” the company concluded.

Economy

Dangote Refinery reduces ex- depot price of petrol from N950 to N890

Funso OLOJO

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has an announced a marginal reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N950 to N890, effective from Saturday, 1st February 2025.

According to the official statement from the company, the strategic adjustment is a direct response to the positive outlook within the global energy and gas markets, as well as the recent reduction in international crude oil prices.

“As part of Dangote Refinery’s unwavering commitment to transparency and fairness, this price revision reflects the ongoing fluctuations in global crude oil markets, as highlighted in the refinery’s statement on 19th January, when a modest increase was implemented due to the previously rising international crude oil prices.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery firmly believes that this reduction from N950 to N890 will result in a meaningful decrease in the cost of petrol nationwide, thereby driving down the prices of goods and services, as well as the overall cost of living, with a positive ripple effect on various sectors of the economy.

“In addition, Dangote Petroleum Refinery calls upon marketers to collaborate in this effort, to ensure that these benefits are passed on to the Nigerian populace.

” This collective initiative will contribute to the wider economic recovery plan led by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is dedicated to making Nigeria self-sufficient in refined petroleum products and positioning the country as a leading oil export hub” the statement concluded.