Fuel Price Soars: Depots Sell Petrol at N950/Litre
Petrol depot prices in Nigeria increased significantly on Monday, with most facilities raising costs to N950 per litre from around N907-910 previously. The increase of about 4.74% was driven by rising global crude oil prices, which reached $79.76 per barrel. Various depots including Swift, Wosbab, and Sahara implemented similar price hikes, while some like Shellplux and Chipet pushed prices to N960 per litre. Diesel prices also rose, reaching N1,150 at several depots. Experts warn that consumers should expect further price increases at filling stations nationwide, as depot rates continue to fluctuate. Read more
Athena Commentary: While fuel prices in Nigeria fluctuate wildly and are heavily influenced by global crude prices due to reliance on imports, countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE maintain stable, lower prices around $0.62 (N775) per liter through robust domestic refining capacity and government price controls. The recent opening of Dangote Refinery could help Nigeria move toward the model seen in developed oil-producing nations, where domestic refining helps shield consumers from international market volatility and keeps prices more predictable.
Police Demand Apology from Amnesty International Over Protest Claims
The Nigeria Police Force has demanded that Amnesty International retract and apologise for their report titled “Bloody August,” which accused the police of brutality and human rights violations during the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests. The police strongly deny these allegations, stating they acted professionally and with restraint, and have given Amnesty International seven days to comply or face legal action. They argue that such reports damage police reputation and demoralise officers who risk their lives daily to protect the public. Read more
Athena Commentary: In developed democracies like Canada or Norway, law enforcement agencies typically respond to human rights reports with transparent investigations and public dialogue, often involving independent oversight bodies and civilian review boards. Rather than issuing threats of legal action, these countries’ police forces tend to engage constructively with rights organisations, sometimes even partnering with them to improve policing practices and build public trust.
Police Identify Trouble Spots in Abuja
The FCT Police Command has identified several criminal hotspots across Abuja, including areas like Apo-Dutse Panteka, Diplomatic Zone, and under the Transcorp Bridge, and has begun conducting daily raids to combat crime and protect infrastructure. These operations have already led to impressive results, including the arrest of 348 suspects, recovery of stolen infrastructure materials like manhole covers and cables, and seizure of firearms and drugs. Read more
Athena Commentary: Unlike cities like Singapore and Tokyo, which proactively prevent crime through cutting-edge technology, community engagement, and social programs, Abuja’s approach focuses on reacting to crime through raids. However, research shows that long-term success lies in proactive strategies that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and social inequality, and incorporate urban design principles to prevent crime. Effective modern cities prioritise prevention over punishment, engaging youth and communities to build safer, more resilient environments.
FG Warns of Persistent Grid Collapses in 2025 Budget Plan
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has admitted that Nigeria will continue experiencing national grid collapses, partly due to a damaged transmission line in the North that can’t be repaired because of insecurity issues. Despite plans to invest N36 billion in transformers and revamp substations across the country, the minister explained that the grid remains fragile due to reliance on a single transmission line after vandals damaged the critical Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando line in October 2024. Read more
Athena Commentary: Advanced economies like Germany and South Korea have virtually eliminated grid collapses through robust infrastructure with multiple redundant transmission lines, smart grid technology, and decentralised power generation systems that can operate independently if one area fails. While these nations typically experience less than 15 minutes of power interruption per year, Nigeria’s acceptance of continued grid collapses highlights the urgent need for modernisation, security improvements, and a shift toward more resilient power infrastructure.
Compiled by:
Ijeoma Esther Achebe